Scientist Michael E. Mann discusses the hockey stick curve and tactics used by climate change deniers. Delta Airlines' commitment to combat climate change is highlighted, while ExxonMobil's downplaying of climate crisis is exposed. The challenges of removing CO2 from the atmosphere and the importance of collective change, government intervention, and financial incentives are addressed. Using your voice and vote for climate action is emphasized.
The hockey stick curve is a powerful visual representation of the dramatic warming trend over the past century and a half, demonstrating the profound impact humans have on the climate today.
Climate polluters have shifted their tactics from denialism to division and delay, using softer denialist strategies to downplay the detrimental effects of the climate crisis and divert the conversation away from systemic changes and collective responsibility.
Deep dives
The Hockey Stick Curve: A Landmark Achievement in Climate Science
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the significance of the hockey stick curve in climate science. The hockey stick curve, published by climate scientist Michael Mann, shows how temperatures have varied over the past thousand years. It reveals a dramatic warming trend over the past century and a half, following a relatively stable period. The curve has become an iconic graph in the climate change debate, highlighting the profound impact humans have on the climate today.
Shifting from Climate Denialism to Division and Delay Tactics
The podcast explores how the tactics used by climate polluters have shifted from denialism to division and delay. Fossil fuel interests and their allies now employ softer denialist tactics to deflect attention from necessary policies and regulations that would impact their financial interests. By downplaying the detrimental effects of the climate crisis and emphasizing techno-fixes, such as geoengineering and carbon capture, they attempt to delay urgent action. These tactics aim to keep individuals disengaged and divert the conversation away from systemic changes and collective responsibility.
Overcoming Doomism and Taking Determined Action
The podcast addresses the rise of doomism, the belief that preventing the worst consequences of climate change is impossible, and highlights the importance of determination in taking action. While the challenges are significant, climate scientist Michael Mann emphasizes that it is not too late to address the climate crisis. He urges individuals to use their voices and votes to support policy changes and politicians who prioritize climate action. By being determined and taking collective action, it is still possible to mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a sustainable future.
It’s climate week. To mark the occasion we’re talking to scientist Michael E. Mann about six D-words that help us understand where the conversation around climate change has been and where it’s going.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Tien Nguyen, engineered by David Herman and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.