How Think Tanks Laid the Groundwork to Criminalize Protest
Sep 19, 2023
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Journalists from Drilled and DeSmog discuss the global network of libertarian think tanks and their influence in vilifying climate protestors. The podcast explores the origins of a climate group in Germany, the role of the Montpelleran Society in climate protests, the influence of think tanks in shaping public opinion, and the spread of climate denial through the Atlas Network.
The Atlas Network, a global network of libertarian think tanks, has been swapping strategies and rhetoric with industry to create a uniform backlash against climate protests worldwide.
Think tanks affiliated with the Atlas Network have strategically spread skepticism about climate change, promoted resource extraction over environmental concerns, and framed climate activists as extremists, influencing public opinion and sometimes leading to legislation criminalizing climate activism.
Deep dives
Climate activism group Last Generation faces raids and opposition
German police conducted a series of raids on the homes of leaders in the climate group Last Generation, seizing technical devices and blocking accounts. Last Generation started as a small group of young people in Germany who staged protests to raise awareness about climate change. Despite opposition and criticism from conservative politicians, the group gained significant attention and support in Germany, where a majority of the population is concerned about climate change. The raids mark a rapid escalation in the government's response to the group's activism, with accusations of forming a criminal organization and organizing fundraising for further criminal activities.
The influence of the Atlas Network on global think tank landscape
The Atlas Network, founded by Antony Fisher, has played a significant role in shaping the global think tank landscape. Fisher's approach was to change intellectual discourse and ideas rather than engaging in direct politics. Fisher established the Institute of Economic Affairs in the UK and then replicated the success of his approach by establishing think tanks in Canada, Australia, and the US. The Atlas Network, founded in 1981, brought these think tanks together into a cohesive network. The network's aim is to influence public opinion and policy by providing rigorous research accessible to the layman. The Atlas Network has had a significant impact on shaping policy debates in areas like climate change, indigenous rights, and economic liberalism.
The use of think tanks by the fossil fuel industry to shape public opinion
The fossil fuel industry has strategically used think tanks to shape public opinion and policy regarding climate change and energy development. These think tanks, often affiliated with the Atlas Network, have worked to spread skepticism and denial about climate change, promote the idea that indigenous communities should focus on resource extraction for economic prosperity, and frame environmentalists and climate activists as extremists. They have effectively repeated these messages through influential individuals and media outlets, which has influenced public discourse and sometimes led to legislation that criminalizes climate activism. By aligning with like-minded think tanks and leveraging resources, the fossil fuel industry has successfully pushed its agenda through the think tank network.
The challenge of balancing poverty alleviation and climate action
The debate between poverty alleviation and climate action has become a complex and challenging issue. Critics argue that some climate policies, such as a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, can disproportionately impact vulnerable communities and hinder economic development. This argument has been used to resist climate policies in Africa and other regions. However, proponents of climate action emphasize the importance of addressing both poverty and the climate crisis simultaneously, highlighting that sustainable development can promote economic growth, empowerment, and environmental stewardship. Balancing poverty alleviation with climate action requires nuanced and comprehensive approaches that consider the specific context of each region.
It’s no coincidence that the backlash against climate protest looks the same from country to country. Not only is industry sharing tactics across borders, but also the Atlas Network—a global network of nearly 600 libertarian think tanks—has been swapping strategies and rhetoric for decades. This episode features reporting from Amy Westervelt, Lyndal Rowlands, and Julianna Merullo from Drilled, and Geoff Dembicki from DeSmog. You can see a print version of the story at The New Republic or an even longer print version on our site here.