Unexplainable
Weaponizing uncertainty
Dec 6, 2023
This podcast discusses the weaponization of uncertainty in relation to climate change, exploring the historical involvement of the oil industry. It delves into tactics used by oil companies to create doubt and hinder progress on climate change. The hosts also explore the challenges of evaluating uncertainty in science and emphasize the importance of viewing uncertainty as humility rather than doubt.
25:21
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Quick takeaways
- Exxon and other oil companies weaponized uncertainty by targeting specific demographics with messaging that downplayed the importance of climate change and raised doubts about its reality.
- Exxon's tactics have shifted over time, from denying climate change to emphasizing uncertainties, questioning the need for immediate action, and claiming to invest in sustainable projects.
Deep dives
The Role of Oil Companies in Climate Change
The podcast episode discusses the role of oil companies, particularly Exxon, in the development of climate change awareness and the subsequent weaponization of uncertainty. In the 1970s, Exxon actively funded research on climate change and renewable energy sources. However, as economic and geopolitical factors shifted, Exxon's focus shifted towards promoting oil as their main business. This change in strategy led to the weaponization of uncertainty, where Exxon and other energy companies targeted specific demographics with news stories and advertisements to create doubt about the seriousness of climate change. They used scientific language and emphasized the uncertainties in the research to argue against taking action.
