Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

Lifting the Curtain on Climate Denial — Naomi Oreskes — Cleaning Up Redux

Jan 1, 2025

Naomi Oreskes, a leading historian of science from Harvard University and author of 'Merchants of Doubt,' unpacks the pervasive issue of climate denial. She explores the historical ties between funding sources and scientific integrity, revealing how propaganda shapes public perceptions of climate science. Oreskes draws parallels between tactics used by climate deniers and those of the tobacco industry, emphasizing the need for accountability in addressing climate change. Ultimately, she highlights the power of love and compassion in inspiring collective environmental action.

58:42

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Naomi Oreskes

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Quick takeaways

Disinformation campaigns have distorted public understanding of climate change, drawing parallels with past tactics used in smoking denial campaigns.

Naomi Oreskes' transition from geology to the history of science illustrates how funding influences shape climate discourse and suppress vital discussions.

Legal accountability is emerging as a crucial strategy to counter corporate disinformation on climate science, promoting transparency and public health protection.

Deep dives

The Role of Disinformation in Science

Disinformation campaigns have significantly impacted public perception of scientific consensus, particularly regarding climate change. In examining the tactics of disinformation, the discussion highlights the historical connection between groups that denied the risks of smoking and those questioning climate science. Key figures in these campaigns were involved in shaping narratives that promoted doubt rather than clarity, creating an environment where misinformation could flourish. The conversation underscores the scientific community's struggle to communicate facts effectively in the face of organized opposition.

Intro

2min

Navigating the Intersection of Science, History, and Funding

4min

The Evolution of Oceanography and Climate Discourse

9min

The Strategy of Doubt: Repeating Tactics in Climate Denial

2min

Market Ideologies and Climate Denial

18min

Confronting Climate Change: Economic and Accountability Challenges

19min

The Power of Love and Compassion in Environmental Action

5min

Happy New Year from all of us here at Cleaning Up. This week we’re bringing you one from our archive of almost 200 episodes. It’s a conversation Bryony Worthington had with Naomi Oreskes in October 2023, her very first episode as a co-host for Cleaning Up.

Naomi Oreskes is the Henry Charles Lea Professor of the History of Science and Affiliated Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University. A world-renowned earth scientist, historian and public speaker, she is the author of the best-selling book, Merchants of Doubt, and a leading voice on the role of science in society and the role of disinformation in blocking climate action, a topic that feels more relevant than ever.

Please enjoy, and we’ll be back with Season 14 of Cleaning Up on January 8th.

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