Very comprehensive, aimed for the general public, provides you with the tools to do your own critical thinking, and very helpful for policy decision making in light of the normal scientific uncertainties and limitations of science in progress. Covers almost all topics included in the other books on this list. Highly recommended. 2009

A summary of Popper's key publications. Recommended in case you just want to know about falsifiability, but do not want to read the whole thing. Other materials cover Popper's take not only in the hard sciences but also in the social sciences and historicity. 1985

By a famous climate scientist, truly a must read for those interested in the philosophical aspects of this debate, regardless of your side on the debate. 2009

This book goes right to the core of the issue. 2007

A must read, notwithstanding Taleb's arrogance. Despite of the uncertainties, the proven lack of reliability to predict the 1987 October Crash, and the 2000 Dot-com Bubble, financial risk models were considered reliable. A book written before the 2008 Financial Crash that makes crystal clear the limitations of forecasting. 2007

One of the few books about the global warming controversy that raises the issue of lack of fasifiability intrinsic to climate simulation models. But Lawson most important contribution is his analysis on how to go about mitigation even with all the uncertainties. A good example on how policy making should be guided by reason and common sense, considering the economic impact of those decisions. 2008

An excellent example of what makes sense and what doesn't in order to reduce greenhouse emissions, and MacKay just applied back-of-the-envelope calculations and common sense. Policy should be based on such rational analysis, without emotional appeals, and above all, without the hot air. Available for free in PDF in the internet. 2008

Another interesting book regarding how the media influences the political debate, leaving a dissenting minority silenced by fear of social rejection. Though a theory developed in the context of the social sciences, research has now move toward the presence of this effect in the debate regarding biotechnologies. Are we beginning to witness a spiral of silence among scientists? 1993

No, there is no mistake nor a tribute. Though I consider this sci-fi work one of Crichton's worst novels (see my review), his Author's Message at the end of the book (where he made explicit his opinion on global warming and environmentalism), and the Appendix I, “Why Politicized Science is Dangerous”, are worthwhile the reading. Check also YouTube for his speeches on politicized science. 2004