The Realignment

395 | David Lipsky: Climate Change, the Culture Wars, and the Path to Denial

Aug 10, 2023

David Lipsky, author of The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial, talks about the evolution of climate change, climate policy roads not taken, the line between science denial and policy debate, the ability of the American political system to solve climate change, missed opportunities for national service, and reflections on research and storytelling.

01:05:45

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Episode guests

David Lipsky

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The importance of presenting accurate and realistic information to avoid undermining the credibility of the climate change issue.

The missed opportunity during the Obama administration to prioritize climate change legislation highlights the need for political will and effective prioritization.

Moving away from divisive political rhetoric and focusing on pragmatic solutions like fracking and nuclear power can serve as short-term measures to address climate change.

Deep dives

The Importance of Technology in Addressing Climate Change

The podcast episode explores the role of technology in addressing climate change and highlights the historical examples of Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Morse, Nikola Tesla, and Thomas Edison. The discussion emphasizes how the innovative spirit and problem-solving abilities of individuals in the past have resulted in significant changes in society. The podcast also highlights the need for fresh thinking and the inclusion of diverse opinions to tackle climate change effectively.

Introduction

2min

The History of American Invention and its Implications for Climate Change

3min

The Impact of Technology Fetishism on Climate Change Denial

28min

National Egotism and the Decision-Making Process on Resource Use

2min

International Treaties and Their Limitations

16min

Missed Opportunities for National Service

12min

Reflections on Research, Storytelling, and '30 Rock'

3min

David Lipsky, author of The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial, joins The Realignment. David and Marshall discuss how climate change evolved from a policy oriented scientific issue to casualty of the culture wars, climate policy roads not taken over the past 70 years, the line between science denial and legitimate policy debate, the American political system's ability to "solve" climate change in the first place, and revisit Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point, David's chronicle of the USMA during the 9/11 era.

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Paul Krugman: Climate Is Now a Culture War Issue: Opinion | Climate Is Now a Culture War Issue - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

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