Resources to help navigate the world of climate denial and distrust
Cranky Uncle“To explain why and how some people reject scientific evidence, scientist and cartoonist John Cook created the character Cranky Uncle, the family member we all have who thinks he knows better than the world’s scientists.” Practice for that difficult dialogue, and help that cranky uncle along!
Skeptical ScienceSkeptical Science is a non-profit science education organization that seeks to raise public understanding of climate change by publishing information and resources. One of these important resources is an encyclopedic list of the most common climate myths, with evidence-based refutations for each one.
Climate Disinformation | Union of Concerned Scientists
“Instead of acknowledging the harmful effects of their products and committing to swift and deep reductions in global warming emissions, many of the world's largest fossil fuel companies have knowingly deceived the public about the climate science and policy.” The Union of Concerned Scientists talks deception, greenwashing, and accountability among fossil fuel companies.
Facebook's Climate of Deception: How Viral Misinformation Fuels the Climate Emergency | AvaazWhy does climate disinformation travel faster & farther than facts? Avaaz unearths Facebook’s algorithms, which promote misunderstandings of federal climate proposals. This resource helps us see how climbing out from underneath disinformation is key in responding to the climate crisis. Published May 11, 2021
How The Oil Industry Made Us Doubt Climate Change | BBC
“As climate change becomes a focus of the US election, energy companies stand accused of trying to downplay their contribution to global warming.” This report gives a historic lesson on the manipulative tactics used by corrupt industries, such as tobacco and oil, to cloud the minds of the public. Author: Phoebe Keane, published September 20, 2020
Video: Rear Admiral David Titley, USN on Climate Change and National Security | TEDxThe U.S. military understands and believes in the threat of climate change. “Oceanographer for the U.S. Navy, Rear Admiral David Titley, discusses the hot topic of climate change, and its impending ramifications on national security.” [22:54]
Changing Minds: How Do You Communicate with Climate Change Skeptics? | Phys.org
Emma Frances Bloomfield, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, wants to understand the causes of climate skepticism. “Knowing the ‘why’ behind the denial can help those who are concerned about climate change communicate more effectively with those who question the science behind it.” Author: Natalie Bruzda, published June 6, 2019
Video: One Climate Change Scientist Takes on a Room Full of Skeptics | SBSJenny Brockie from SBS (an Australian Public Broadcast service) facilitates a conversation between climatologist Stephen Schneider and an audience of climate change doubters and deniers. “Science is not about belief. Science is about evidence.” [45:42]
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