Origins of Climate Denial: Weaponizing False Equivalence
Feb 7, 2023
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Geoffrey Supran, lead author of the peer-reviewed study on the origins of climate denial and Exxon's role in it, discusses the industry's creation and weaponization of false equivalence in climate change coverage. The podcast explores Exxon's history of deception, their misleading statements on climate change, the funding sources of contrarian scientist Soon, and the influence of oil companies on promoting alternative explanations for climate change.
ExxonMobil scientists were aware of climate change while publicly questioning the science.
False equivalence in media coverage undermines the scientific consensus on climate change.
Deep dives
Study shows ExxonMobil's knowledge of climate change
A new peer-reviewed study reveals that ExxonMobil scientists were well aware of the reality of climate change while the company publicly cast doubt on the science. The study's lead author, Jeffrey Suprin, discusses how this research highlights the issue of false equivalence in media coverage. The study's findings have gained significant attention, with many recognizing the impact of ExxonMobil's deception and the importance of holding them accountable.
Tech giants and the need for online privacy
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Exxon's deceptive tactics and journalistic false equivalency
The podcast episode delves into Exxon's history of deception and how they manipulated the media's tendency towards false equivalency. By creating doubt around climate science and promoting contrarian theories, Exxon sought to divert attention from their own research findings. The episode highlights the challenge that journalists face in providing balanced coverage and emphasizes the need for a better understanding of scientific consensus.
A new peer-reviewed study in the journal Science shows that not only did Exxon scientists suspect climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels was a growing problem that would lead to crisis if nothing changed, but they were terrifyingly accurate in their modeling and predictions. Alongside this special re-broadcast of Season 1 of Drilled, all about the origins of climate denial and Exxon's role in it, we speak with the study's lead author Geoffrey Supran about its importance.
In this episode, the industry's role in creating and then weaponizing false equivalence on climate—the idea that the opinions of a handful of contrarians are equally valid to those of the majority of peer-reviewed studies on the topic.