#1500 - Barbara Freese
NaN minutesEpisode #1500
Barbara Freese is an author, environmental attorney and a former Minnesota assistant attorney general. Her latest book Industrial-Strength Denial is now available:
Watch the full episode of #1500 - Barbara Freese.
Episode Timestamps
Start of Climate Change Awareness through Legal Work
- Introduction to the background of the speaker who got interested in climate change through legal work in Minnesota
- Exploration of how the coal industry denied climate change and pushed back against regulations
- Discussion on arguments made by the coal industry including CO2 as a plant fertilizer and promises of milder winters
Psychological Tactics of Industries to Deny Harmful Impacts
- Observations on how industries employ scientists to deny harm and deceive the public
- Analysis of the tactics used by tobacco industry in denying the link between cigarettes and cancer
- Overview of psychological processes where industries activate tribal instincts to protect their interests and undermine accusatory evidence
Distortion of Reality and Protecting Industry Interests
- Historical example of industry distortion to maintain status quo
- Arguments made to preserve the slave trade and prevent reform
- Impact of deceptive practices on societal structures
Corporations, Deception, and Societal Impact
- Discussion on diffusing responsibility in corporations
- Evolution of the corporate focus on profits versus societal concerns
- Influence of ideologies and movements on corporate behavior
Evolution of Corporate Power Over Time
- Historical perspective on the development of corporations in the United States
- Key events such as trust busting movements and the New Deal impacting corporate power
- Challenges posed by corporate influence on democracy and climate change
Challenges of Addressing Climate Change and Transitioning Industries
- Discussion on the fossil fuel industry's impact on climate change and denial
- Analysis of the need for a transition to renewable energy sources
- Considerations for implementing large-scale changes like the Green New Deal
Polarization on Climate Change and Ideological Divide
- Discussion on the ideological divide and polarization surrounding climate change
- Exploration of how the issue has turned into a left versus right debate
- Importance of bridging the gap to address environmental challenges
Social Media Manipulation and Overcoming Divisions
- Insight into social media's role in exacerbating polarization and manipulation
- Discussion on the addictive nature of social media algorithms and the spread of misinformation
- Importance of building long-term trust and accountability in society
The Financial Industry's Culture of Exploitation and Denial
- Discussion on the Wall Street attitude of 'take the money and run' without consideration for long-term consequences
- Examination of the culture of exploiting clients and pushing risky investment products
- Review of the denial within the financial industry regarding obvious risks like the housing bubble
Manipulation by Wall Street and the Abstract Nature of Finance
- Exploration of how Wall Street manipulated mortgage lenders to reduce standards and increase profits
- Analysis of the abstraction of financial numbers and the ability to ignore real impacts
- Observation on the globalized economy making distant impacts easier to ignore, alongside the influence of money in politics
Climate Change Denial and Efforts Towards Reform
- Discussion on climate denial and lack of progress with current leadership
- Efforts made by individuals, scientists, and journalists to confront denial and seek truth
- Achievements in state and federal climate targets and renewable energy initiatives
Radium Industry and Health Fad
- History of radium's discovery and initial medical uses
- Exploitation of radium as a commercial product by industry
- Marketing and consumption of radium products leading to severe health consequences
Radium Industry and Accountability
- Discussion on the lack of accountability in the radium industry despite severe health consequences for workers
- Examples of industry leaders suffering from radium exposure and its effects
- Exploration of the psychological profile of industry leaders focused on reward rather than risk
Impact of Social Media and Future Concerns
- Analysis of the potential dangers of social media addiction and its effects on mental health
- Concerns over the lack of regulations and implications of platforms like Facebook introducing cryptocurrencies
- Reflection on society's failure to imagine and address the long-term consequences of technological advancements
The Ozone Layer Crisis and Awareness
- Discussion on the historical context of the ozone layer depletion issue
- Overview of the industry's initial denial and eventual response to the problem
- Introduction of the Montreal Protocol and the successful global efforts towards resolving the crisis
Corporate Influence and Science Denial
- Exploration of industry-funded science denial and the manipulation of public perception
- Transition of corporate funding from overt denial to indirect support of denialist groups
- Discussion on the complex dynamics of corporate interests, environmental regulation, and climate change denial
Strategies of Denial in Industries
- Exploration of tactics and strategies used by industries in denial and manipulation of information
- Discussion on the playbook followed by industries like tobacco and fossil fuel in spreading doubt rather than proving correctness
- Analysis of how denial campaigns impact public perception, trust in institutions, and hinder social change
Social Influence and Ramifications of Industry Denial
- Investigation into the societal impact of sustained denial campaigns by industries on issues like climate change and ozone depletion
- Examination of the role of denial in shaping public trust, government decisions, and perceptions of scientific certainty
- Insight into decision-making process for inclusion of specific industries based on evidence, impact on public health, and social change dynamics