Across the Margin: The Podcast
Episode 76: Drilled News & The Mad Men of Climate Denial
Mar 5, 2020
In a compelling discussion, journalist Amy Westervelt, Editor-in-Chief of Drilled News, reveals the shocking history behind fossil fuel public relations. She explores the devious tactics used for decades to mislead the public about climate change, drawing parallels with strategies employed by the tobacco industry. Westervelt also discusses how the manipulation of language and the rise of faux grassroots movements have distorted public perception. This conversation emphasizes the urgent need for critical thinking in combating climate misinformation.
38:30
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast reveals how fossil fuel companies have manipulated public perception for over a century through deceptive PR campaigns and misinformation.
- Drilled News serves as a crucial platform for climate accountability reporting, addressing gaps in mainstream media coverage and fostering informed discussions on climate issues.
Deep dives
Historical Context of Fossil Fuel PR Tactics
Fossil fuel companies have employed public relations strategies for over a century, often using deceptive tactics to shape public perception. The podcast highlights the extensive history of fossil fuel PR campaigns, examining how these campaigns promoted misinformation about climate change while framing fossil fuel industries as integral to American identity. Specific examples include campaigns run by major companies that implied environmental regulations threaten livelihoods, which has led to widespread public support for continued fossil fuel operations. This manipulation has been so effective that it has ingrained these ideas deeply into American society, even among those advocating for climate action.
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