In “Climate Deniers Shift Tactics to ‘Inactivism’,” Michael Mann discusses the transition from climate change denial to a new strategy of hindering meaningful action on climate change, which he terms “inactivism.” Fossil fuel interests, previously focused on discrediting climate science, now deflect attention from systemic solutions and promote individual responsibility for climate change. Tactics include promoting the idea that lifestyle choices, not corporate policies, drive climate change, and sowing division within the environmental community. Mann argues for policy interventions and highlights the optimism inspired by young activists demanding action on climate change.
Summary:
In “Climate Deniers Shift Tactics to ‘Inactivism’,” Michael Mann discusses the transition from climate change denial to a new strategy of hindering meaningful action on climate change, which he terms “inactivism.” Fossil fuel interests, previously focused on discrediting climate science, now deflect attention from systemic solutions and promote individual responsibility for climate change. Tactics include promoting the idea that lifestyle choices, not corporate policies, drive climate change, and sowing division within the environmental community. Mann argues for policy interventions and highlights the optimism inspired by young activists demanding action on climate change.
He is the guy that made the famous hockey stick graph.