The article discusses the prevalence of climate change skepticism, particularly among those close to the author, despite their dedication to understanding and combating the climate crisis. It highlights the appeal of conspiracy theories in the context of climate change, suggesting that the complexity of scientific explanations leads some to adopt simpler, more emotionally satisfying narratives. The author notes that a significant portion of the U.S. population believes climate change is exaggerated or a hoax, showcasing the challenge faced by climate advocates in countering misinformation.
"Lately, I've become a little obsessed with climate conspiracies. Douglas and Sutton define conspiracy theories as 'a belief that two or more actors have coordinated in secret to achieve an outcome, and that their conspiracy is of public interest, but not public knowledge.'"
"Climate change is fertile ground for these theories because the science is so complex. It's full of intricate models, probability ranges and uncertainties that require us to grasp long-term trends rather than just immediate cause and effect."
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