misinformation
Newsletter
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Trump falsely claims Biden's climate policies will weaken the military
Donald Trump claims that President Biden's climate policies, including electric tanks and sustainable fuel jets, will weaken U.S. military power, despite the Pentagon's plans to address climate change without compromising military effectiveness.
In short:
- Trump has criticized Biden's climate policies, claiming they will reduce military efficiency and effectiveness.
- The U.S. military has plans to reduce carbon emissions and explore sustainable fuels while maintaining operational capabilities.
- Experts argue that electric and hybrid military vehicles offer battlefield advantages and reduce logistical challenges.
Key quote:
“It is not the goal to fail, the goal is to succeed... to have stuff that works well, that provides operational advantages, and also reduces environmental impact.”
— John Conger, director emeritus of the Center for Climate and Security and senior adviser to the Council on Strategic Risks
Why this matters:
Critics argue that Trump's comments overlook the long-term benefits of sustainable military technologies. Electric vehicles and alternative fuels could enhance operational flexibility and resilience, reducing vulnerabilities associated with fuel supply chains. In addition, advancements in green technology are poised to maintain, if not enhance, the military's combat capabilities.
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Opinion: Fossil fuel industry obstructs renewable energy progress
Despite renewable energy being more affordable and prevalent, the fossil fuel industry is using misinformation and lobbying to hinder its adoption.
In short:
- Fossil fuel interests are using tactics like lobbying and spreading misinformation to prevent the adoption of cheaper renewable energy.
- Renewables now produce 30% of the world's electricity, yet fossil fuel companies falsely claim they are unreliable and harmful.
- Misleading narratives and political donations are used to sway public opinion and policy against renewable energy.
Why this matters:
Fossil fuel misinformation delays the transition to renewable energy, which is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Armed with deep pockets and political influence, those in the fossil fuel industry are deploying strategies aimed at slowing the transition to cleaner energy. This includes spreading misinformation about the reliability and efficiency of renewables, and casting doubt on the urgency of climate change.
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Newsletter
Challenges facing US offshore wind expansion
Efforts to advance offshore wind energy in the U.S. are facing hurdles from economic, political, and misinformation challenges.
In short:
- The U.S. offshore wind industry struggles with inflation, supply chain issues, and political opposition, despite the Biden Administration's support.
- Offshore wind could potentially meet 25% of the nation's energy needs by 2050, yet only four wind farms have been completed since the first proposal in the early 2000s.
- Disinformation, such as claims that offshore wind harms marine life, is further stalling progress.
Key quote:
“There is zero evidence for offshore wind activities causing whale deaths.”
— Helen Rose Patterson, senior campaign manager with the National Wildlife Federation
Why this matters:
Support for offshore wind varies widely across the country, influenced by regional interests and lobbying from traditional energy sectors. Some states, particularly along the East Coast, are pushing forward with ambitious plans and incentives. However, others remain hesitant, often citing concerns about the impact on local fishing industries and coastal tourism. The political tug-of-war can stall progress and create an uncertain regulatory environment.
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Corporate interests often obscure the real impacts of their products on public health
Companies sometimes conceal the detrimental health effects of their products, such as forever chemicals, to maintain profits, despite known risks
In short:
- Corporate tactics like suppressing research and manufacturing doubt prevent effective health regulations and public awareness, especially concerning forever chemicals and ultra-processed foods.
- This corporate behavior has contributed to diseases linked to tobacco, alcohol, and fossil fuels, implicated in a significant portion of global deaths.
- Despite known dangers, companies like 3M and DuPont concealed damaging health effects of their products to protect profits, influencing both consumer safety and environmental health.
Key quote:
"We now know exposure to just four classes of product – tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods and fossil fuels – are linked to one out of every three deaths worldwide."
— Nicholas Chartres and Lisa Bero, co-authors
Why this matters:
Understanding the extent of corporate influence on our health is important, especially as these practices contribute significantly to global mortality and disease. Stronger regulations and transparency to expose unethical practices can mitigate these risks. Read more: The birth of greenwashing.
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Natural gas study draws criticism over industry influence
A recent report led by former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and funded by the natural gas industry, has faced backlash for downplaying the climate impact of natural gas.
In short:
- The report was funded by the natural gas industry and is said to favor LNG despite climate concerns.
- A congressional investigation revealed that oil and gas companies have been downplaying the climate impact of natural gas.
- Some scientists argue the climate impact of natural gas is as bad as or worse than coal.
Key quote:
"The facts presented then and subsequent research from RMI and peers have confirmed that leaks of methane, the main ingredient in natural gas, even at small amounts, make it as bad as or worse than coal for the climate and not necessarily the cleaner alternative it was once thought to be."
— Amory Lovins, cofounder and former chief scientist for the Rocky Mountain Institute
Why this matters:
Understanding the industry's influence on reports like this one is crucial to ensure policies are based on objective science. Read more: EPA’s “scientific integrity” program lacks teeth, group alleges.
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The Epoch Times promotes anti-climate ads across Europe
The Epoch Times, a pro-Trump publication, has been accused of spreading anti-climate misinformation through hundreds of ads across Europe, leading to concerns about stoking climate skepticism.
In short:
- The Epoch Times has run 425 anti-climate ads on social media in Europe since January, with many targeting the role of CO2 in climate change.
- The publication has faced scrutiny for misleading claims, resulting in several ads being flagged or removed by Meta platforms.
- Global Witness, a campaign group, has urged the UK Advertising Standards Agency to investigate and potentially ban these ads.
Key quote:
“After sowing division and disinformation in the U.S., everyone in the UK should be alarmed that the Epoch Times is using the same playbook here."
— Nienke Palstra, campaign strategy lead, Global Witness.
Why this matters:
Misinformation campaigns can hinder global efforts to combat climate change, influencing public perception and political agendas that impact environmental policy. Read more: Moving forward after four years of fights and falsehoods.
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Media outlets pull Saudi Aramco's climate ads amidst regulatory scrutiny
Following a complaint about misleading climate advertisements in the UK, the Financial Times and Reuters have removed Saudi Aramco's content promoting its environmental initiatives.
In short:
- The withdrawn content includes advertorials and a podcast, alleged to overstate the effectiveness of Aramco's "advanced fuels" in reducing carbon emissions.
- The New Weather Institute's complaint prompted the removal, accusing the content of presenting biased information favoring oil-dependent technologies over electric vehicles.
- The Advertising Standards Authority is currently investigating the allegations of greenwashing.
Key quote:
"Journalism needs decontaminating from polluters’ vested interests."
— Andrew Simms, co-director of the New Weather Institute.
Why this matters:
When media organizations choose to run advertisements containing misleading or false information about climate issues, it can erode trust in the media and conflict with the ethical responsibility journalists have to inform the public accurately.
Peter Dykstra: There's plenty of environmental content on TV — if you like misleading ads.
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