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Beyond Climate Denial: The Public Relations Industry’s Role in Obstructing Climate Action

Beyond Climate Denial: The Public Relations Industry’s Role in Obstructing Climate Action

Full Title: Beyond Climate Denial: The Public Relations Industry’s Role in Obstructing Climate Action
Author(s): Cartie Werthman, Emily Rockwell
Publisher(s): Brown University Climate and Development Lab
Publication Date: November 30, 2021
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

Two thirds of Americans want a greater federal response to climate change, yet national policy on climate is largely nonexistent. This discrepancy is often blamed on political gridlock in Washington, an answer which overlooks a major force shaping public and political opinion on climate action: the public relations (PR) industry. Since NASA scientist Dr. Hansen testified to Congress that global warming had begun in 1988, organizations with a stake in climate politics have hired PR firms to build public trust. The case studies included in this report show that PR firms use certain tactics again and again for these clients: promoting misinformation about climate change, greenwashing, creating front groups, and attacking environmental organizations. To maintain their own reputation, many PR firms highlight their work for environmental groups while a large portion of their business is funded by contracts with the fossil fuel industry.

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