Strategies in Addressing Climate Change and Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Portrayal of Nonpartisanship

• Organizations often present themselves as scientific and nonpartisan to gain credibility.

Manipulation of Activist Images

• Activists promoting health or environmental issues are depicted as extremists in various advertisements.

Historical Context: Climate Change Discourse

• In 2011, the Obama administration made attempts to address climate change, leading to backlash from organizations like the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI).
• CEI is described as a front group for oil and gas companies, targeting audiences in industrial Midwestern states like Michigan and Ohio.
• These states have industries reliant on fossil fuels, such as steel and natural gas, leading to resistance against regulations on carbon dioxide emissions.

Use of Emotional Appeals and Fear Mongering

• Advertisements claim that global warming alarms, such as melting glaciers, are overstated or manipulated.
• The message downplays the role of carbon dioxide, framing it as essential for life rather than pollution.

Doubt on Scientific Consensus

• Advertisements often highlight contradictory studies, suggesting that glaciers and ice sheets are not melting as claimed.
• This strategy seeks to create skepticism towards climate change narratives among viewers.

Us vs. Them Narrative

• Marketing campaigns create a divide, depicting those who oppose regulations as the heroes or 'us', while scientists and activists are labeled 'them'.
• This manipulation often plays on emotions and fears of economic loss.

Economic Consequences of Regulations

• Claims are made that regulating carbon emissions will lead to severe economic downturn, including high unemployment and inflation.
• Fear is used to mobilize viewers against such policies.

Astroturfing Tactics

• The phenomenon where fake grassroots movements are created to oppose environmental legislation is discussed (astroturfing).
• Ads encourage constituents to contact their senators in opposition to regulating carbon as a pollutant despite limited public knowledge about these legislative discussions.

Evolution of Misinformation with Social Media

• The rise of social media has exacerbated the targeting and spread of misinformation through precise advertisements based on consumer behavior.
• There's concern about how the general public can discern the source of information given the prevalence of front groups.

Critical Evaluation of Information Sources

• Encourages vigilance about information sources and suggests using organizations like SourceWatch to track and understand the motives behind advertisements.

Conclusion

• The session stresses the significance of being aware of the messages received through ads and social media and understanding the underlying intentions of corporations behind them.
• Students should be prepared to analyze these tactics in future assessments.