Michael Mann: Hope, disinformation, Carl Sagan, and climate communication
Sep 21, 2023
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Climate scientist and communicator Michael Mann discusses hope, disinformation, and the influence of Carl Sagan in climate communication. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, reclaiming the science, and avoiding doom and despair when addressing the climate crisis. Mann also highlights personal connections, mentors in climate communication, challenges of reaching skeptical audiences, and the creation of a new center for science, sustainability, and media at Penn.
Doom and despair messaging leads to disengagement and misrepresentation of paleoclimate evidence to support the climate change narrative.
The fossil fuel industry's deliberate disinformation and influence on public discourse hinder effective climate communication and require a functioning democracy to address the crisis.
Deep dives
The Importance of Framing and Reclaiming the Science
Dr. Michael Mann discusses his book 'This Fragile Moment' and his motivation to bring a fresh perspective to the climate change narrative. He highlights the dangers of doom and despair messaging, which leads to disengagement, and the misrepresentation of paleoclimate evidence to support this narrative. Dr. Mann emphasizes the need to reclaim the science and convey both the urgency and agency in combating climate change.
The Influence of Carl Sagan and Steve Schneider
Dr. Mann acknowledges the influence of science communicators Carl Sagan and Steve Schneider. He describes Steve Schneider as the Carl Sagan of climate change and recounts his mentorship and support during attacks on his own work. Dr. Mann reflects on Sagan's prescient views on misinformation and disinformation and the importance of conveying facts in the face of anti-science agendas. He also underscores the need for diverse messengers to effectively communicate with different audiences.
The Role of Fossil Fuel Industry in Disinformation
Dr. Mann discusses the concerted campaign by the fossil fuel industry to sow doubt and confusion by funding disinformation efforts. He highlights the importance of recognizing the malicious intent behind the misinformation and the powerful influence these vested interests have on public discourse. Dr. Mann references the internal report by Exxon Mobile's scientists, which accurately predicted the catastrophic consequences of continued fossil fuel emissions. He advocates for addressing the systemic efforts to obscure facts and emphasizes the need for a functioning democracy to effectively tackle the climate crisis.