If the summer heat, followed by Hurricane Dorian, 
  hasn’t convinced you that climate change is real, 
  probably nothing will.

I was stunned that such a callous, dismissive & low quality statement would even pass muster at The Grey Lady.

Who's proof-reading these pieces?

Pair it with a striking statistic from a reputable source, at the very least if youre going to make such a naked statement. Who is the piece trying to convince? The already convinced and dyed-in-the-wool card carrying eco-enthusiasts or the unconvinced and the leery crowd?