Climate Change, Addiction, and Free Speech with Michael Shellenberger (WiM399)
Nov 27, 2023
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Michael Shellenberger, best-selling author and journalist, joins the podcast to discuss the impact of environmental alarmism, the problem with addiction and homelessness, and the importance of free speech.
Free speech is crucial for protecting people from addiction and homelessness, preserving the natural environment, and maintaining a functioning democracy and free markets.
Real environmental problems, while significant, are not as catastrophic as often portrayed, and frontier agriculture is a more pressing issue than climate change.
Homelessness is primarily driven by untreated addiction and mental health issues, and interventions such as providing private rooms in shelters and mandatory treatment options can address the root causes.
Deep dives
The Importance of Free Speech for Societal Functioning
The podcast episode emphasizes that free speech is crucial for various aspects of society, including protecting people from addiction and homelessness, preserving the natural environment, and maintaining a functioning democracy and free markets. According to the speaker, freedom of speech is essential for individuals to fully express their ideas and for society to progress.
Challenging Environmental Hysteria
The podcast delves into the topic of environmental alarmism and argues that while real environmental problems exist, they are not as catastrophic as often portrayed. The speaker highlights the progress made in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change, and asserts that frontier agriculture is a more pressing environmental issue. The discussion also touches upon the motivations behind environmental alarmism, including financial interests, power dynamics, and the emergence of an apocalyptic environmental religion.
Addressing Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Crime
The podcast examines the issue of homelessness, particularly focusing on the root causes of addiction and mental illness. The speaker suggests that homelessness is primarily driven by untreated addiction and mental health issues, rather than simply high rents. They propose interventions such as providing private rooms in shelters and mandatory treatment options for individuals engaged in criminal activities due to addiction. Additionally, the discussion touches on the connection between the legitimacy of the government and law enforcement, and the rates of crime, including homicide, underscoring the importance of individuals believing in a fair and just society.
The importance of intervention for addiction and homelessness
Intervening early and providing support is crucial to prevent addiction and homelessness from worsening. The speaker emphasizes that allowing young individuals to remain on the streets for extended periods makes it more difficult for them to recover. The long-term use of hard drugs, such as opioids, can lead to physical consequences like spinal curvature. The intervention proposed involves offering individuals a choice between immediate access to rehab or facing legal consequences, leading to a chance for recovery and a healthier life path.
The significance of free speech and its current threats
The podcast delves into the importance of free speech as a fundamental right that forms the basis of a functioning democracy and allows for the exchange of ideas. The speaker expresses concern over the growing attack on free speech, particularly in the form of censorship and the cancellation culture. The rise of privileged perspectives and a lack of willingness to engage with opposing views has fueled this attack. The involvement of intelligence and security agencies in justifying censorship, along with the impact of COVID, has exacerbated the situation. The speaker urges the need for vigilance in defending free speech and speaks against the dangers of censorship.
Michael Shellenberger joins me in person at ARC Forum 2023 in London to discuss the impact of environmental alarmism, the problem with addiction and homelessness, and the importance of free speech.
Michael Shellenberger is a best-selling author and journalist. He is the founder of Substack publication Public.
This podcast was filmed at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship Conference in London, England.
// OUTLINE // 00:00:00 - Coming up 00:00:42 - Intro 00:02:15 - Helping Lightning Startups with In Wolf's Clothing 00:03:01 - Introducing Michael Shellenberger 00:03:59 - Why Does Environmental Alarmism Harm Us? 00:06:13 - Driving Factors of Environmental Alarmism 00:09:53 - Is Environmental Alarmism a Conscious Act? 00:12:15 - Misrepresentation and Censorship of the Truth 00:16:46 - Run Your Business from Anywhere with NetSuite 00:17:51 - Secure Your Bitcoin Stash with the iCoin Hardware Wallet 00:18:47 - Causes and Solutions to Homelessness 00:27:19 - The Line Between Recreation and Addiction 00:31:40 - Socio-Economic Status and Addiction 00:36:03 - Abdication of Individual Responsibility 00:39:13 - The Hero’s Journey vs. Victimhood 00:41:14 - Facing Adversity and Achieving Success 00:42:55 - Enhance Your Brain Power with Mind Lab Pro 00:44:02 - Take Control of Your Healthcare with CrowdHealth 00:45:04 - A Bitcoin Wallet with Privacy Built-In: Wasabi Wallet 00:45:55 - Homicide vs. Other Crimes 00:50:22 - Faith and Positive Future 00:52:27 - Definition of Free Speech 00:57:35 - Importance of Free Speech 01:00:11 - Why Freedom of Speech is Under Attack? 01:04:13 - Where to Find Michael on the Internet