#1500 - Barbara Freese
Barbara Freese is an author, environmental attorney and a former Minnesota assistant attorney general. Her latest book Industrial-Strength Denial is now available:
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Key Takeaways
Industry influence has long been a tactic to undermine climate science.
Understanding this helps contextualize ongoing debates about climate change.
Arguments in favor of CO2 often misrepresent scientific consensus.
Recognizing misinformation is crucial for public awareness and policy change.
The psychological denial of harm in industries like tobacco is profound.
Understanding this denial can shed light on similar patterns in climate change debates.
Historical parallels between tobacco denialism and other industries reveal systemic issues.
Recognizing these patterns aids in addressing current environmental challenges.
The slave trade was rationalized through a narrative of economic benefit.
This shows how economic motives can distort moral perspectives.
Watch the full episode of #1500 - Barbara Freese.
Episode Timestamps
Discussion on Climate Change and Industry Influence on Science
- The segment discusses climate change and the denial of its impacts.
- An environmental attorney shares experiences from the front lines of climate debates.
- Industry-funded testimonies contribute to climate science skepticism and misinformation.
Tobacco Industry Denialism and Climate Change Connections Explored
- Discussion on the psychological denial among tobacco industry executives and climate change.
- Comparison of tobacco-related deaths to climate change impacts on public health.
- Examination of historical denialism in the tobacco and slave trade industries.
Debating the Morality and Economics of the Slave Trade
- The slave trade was portrayed as a legitimate industry despite its brutal realities.
- Arguments against abolition suggested it would lead to societal collapse in Britain.
- The discussion highlights the manipulation of narratives to protect economic interests.
Corporate Influence and Environmental Responsibility in Modern Economy
- Discussion on corporations prioritizing profit over environmental concerns since the 1970s.
- The rise of influential networks, like the Koch brothers, shaping market ideologies.
- Historical context of corporate power and regulation in American democracy.
Climate Change and the Challenge of Fossil Fuel Industries
- The podcast discusses the need for drastic emissions cuts to combat climate change.
- It highlights the role of fossil fuel companies in climate denial and their profits.
- The conversation touches on the ideological divide regarding climate change and economic impact.
Social Media's Role in Political Polarization and Manipulation
- The political landscape is polarized, impacting issues like climate change and abortion.
- Social media manipulation exacerbates ideological divides and influences public opinion.
- Youth activism is crucial in addressing climate change and demanding accountability.
Financial Manipulation and Its Environmental Implications
- Lehman Brothers engaged in unethical practices leading to a financial crisis.
- Wall Street's aggressive strategies compromised mortgage lending standards significantly.
- Climate change denial impacts future policy and societal responses to environmental issues.
The Rise and Fall of Radium in Medicine
- Radium was initially celebrated for its potential to treat cancer.
- The radium health fad led to significant health risks and disfigurement.
- Industry leaders prioritized profit over safety, causing widespread harm.
Impact of Social Media on Society and Human Behavior
- Social media addiction is affecting mental health and societal trust.
- Children today are growing up immersed in social media without prior experience.
- The ozone layer issue illustrates the complexity of scientific denial and regulation.
Corporate Denial and the Fossil Fuel Industry's Strategy
- Discussion highlights the role of corporate funding in promoting climate change denial.
- ExxonMobil's past funding of climate denial groups is examined and critiqued.
- The podcast compares current tactics with historical strategies used by the tobacco industry.
People Mentioned
Barbara
Environmental Attorney
Frederick Seitz
Scientist
Philip Morris
Tobacco company executive
Unnamed Trader
Historical figure related to slavery
Milton Friedman
Economist
Charles Koch
Businessman
David Koch
Businessman
Renee DeResta
Researcher
Bernie Sanders
Politician
Hillary Clinton
Former Secretary of State
Matt Taibbi
Journalist
Joseph Flannery
Founder of Standard Chemical
Barbara Freese
Author, Researcher
Joe Rogan
Podcast Host
Places Mentioned
Pittsburgh
City
Australia
Country
Books Mentioned
Book on Tobacco Industry
Unnamed
Vampire Squid: The Dirty Politics of Goldman Sachs
Matt Taibbi
Monster
Mike Hudson
Industrial Strength Denial
Barbara Freese
Notable Quotes
"One arguments still hear sometimes CO2 plant fertilizer true therefore CO2 makes world happier place plants therefore better everybody else."
Discussing a common argument used by climate change deniers.
"First time ever aware corporations send people try diffuse arguments pollute waters?"
Reflecting on the tactics of the coal industry.
"They’re essentially lying. They’re lying for money."
Discussing the deception of tobacco executives regarding health impacts.
"The link putting greenhouse gases in the air and dramatic climate change is well established."
Addressing the scientific consensus on climate change causes.
"One trader put house bondage really house freedom them."
Discussing the justifications for slavery as a form of freedom.