Oreskes: Business groups push the myth that only unbridled markets can generate prosperity and protect political freedom. She says government has always been involved in the marketplace for better or worse. On today's show, we talk with Oreskes about how industries push to limit the role of government has amplified the climate crisis.
Many on the left say that the growing climate crisis is the inevitable result of unbridled capitalism – industries seeking profits above all else. In “The Big Myth,” Naomi Oreskes (who brought us “Merchants of Doubt”) points to a concerted effort from American business groups to propagate the myth that only markets free of government regulation can generate prosperity and protect political freedom.
“If we actually had appropriate regulations, appropriate rules of the road, we wouldn't be in this position of having to beg corporate leaders not to destroy the planet,” Oreskes says.
This myth has grown so pervasive that American citizens now put more faith in CEOs than in religious leaders, according to David Gelles, author of “The Man Who Broke Capitalism.” What should be done to change the narrative?
Guests:
Naomi Oreskes, Professor of the History of Science, Harvard
David Gelles, Reporter, The New York Times
Kate Khatib, Co-Director, Seed Commons
For show notes and related links, visit https://www.climateone.org/watch-and-listen/podcasts
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