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Damages

Origins of Climate Denial: Exploiting Scientists' Kryptonite—Certainty

Feb 14, 2023
Geoffrey Supran, lead author of a study on the origins of climate denial, discusses how oil companies exploited weaknesses in science communication and scientists' refusal to be certain. The podcast explores manipulation of scientific consensus, the tactics used by oil companies, and the industry's strategy for victory in climate denial.
18:56

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • ExxonMobil scientists knew about climate change while publicly claiming uncertainty, challenging their messaging of scientific uncertainty.
  • Oil companies, including ExxonMobil, exploited vulnerabilities in science communication and promoted narratives that cast doubt on climate change concerns.

Deep dives

ExxonMobil's Knowledge and Misrepresentation of Climate Change

The podcast discusses a recent peer-reviewed study that reveals how much ExxonMobil scientists knew about climate change while publicly claiming uncertainty. The study's lead author, Jeffrey Supran, explains that ExxonMobil weaponized the inherent uncertainty of science against the public, who had little understanding of its nature. This study conclusively challenges ExxonMobil's messaging of scientific uncertainty and highlights the significant role the company played in shaping scientific consensus.

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