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Greta Thunberg’s climate crusade is heading for defeat | Michael Shellenberger interview

The Telegraph・2 minutes read

Michael Shellenberger criticizes climate change activism, highlighting positive trends in emissions reduction, attributing the movement's core values to a disdain for humanity. The discourse reveals a push for radical measures by climate activists fueled by apocalyptic narratives that instill anxiety and despair in the population.

Insights

  • The term "climate change denier" is criticized by Michael Shellenberger, who suggests it is used to shut down debates by equating opponents to Holocaust deniers, highlighting a concerning tactic employed in the climate change discourse.
  • Shellenberger's analysis of climate activism reveals a narrative rooted in disdain for humanity, portraying a bleak future and a fallen world, showcasing a unique perspective on the underlying values and motivations of the movement.

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Recent questions

  • What does Michael Shellenberger discuss?

    Climate change denial and greenhouse gases.

  • What are the core values of climate activism?

    Rooted in disdain for humanity, bleak future portrayal.

  • Who is Greta Thunberg?

    Product of prevailing climate religion, infantile extremism.

  • What is the impact of climate activists' predictions?

    Foster anxiety, despair, and hopelessness.

  • What is the book "Apocalypse Never" about?

    Addressing climate fanaticism with scientific evidence.

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Summary

00:00

Climate Change Denial and Activism Critique

  • Michael Shellenberger, an environmentalist commentator and author, discusses climate change denial and the role of greenhouse gases in global warming.
  • Shellenberger criticizes the term "climate change denier," attributing it to activists aiming to stifle debate by likening opponents to Holocaust deniers.
  • He highlights positive trends in carbon emissions reduction, particularly in the US where emissions decreased by 22% from 2005 to 2020, largely due to the shift from coal to natural gas.
  • Shellenberger views climate activism as targeting natural gas and uranium, raising doubts about the true motives behind the movement.
  • He compares the structure of climate activism to a religious narrative, lacking elements like gratitude, redemption, and forgiveness found in traditional religions.
  • Shellenberger identifies the core values of climate activism as rooted in a disdain for humanity, portraying a bleak future and a fallen world.
  • The discussion delves into the political spectrum's involvement in climate activism, noting its paradoxical nature as both illiberal and conservative while predominantly situated on the left.
  • Shellenberger explains the rise of climate activism post-World War II, attributing it to a shift towards Neo-Malthusianism and a desire to revert to a primitive state.
  • Greta Thunberg is portrayed as a product of the prevailing climate religion, embodying infantile extremism and intensifying demands for radical measures.
  • The conversation concludes with a critique of climate activists' use of science as a tool for spreading apocalyptic narratives, highlighting intentional disinformation campaigns to push extreme scenarios and maintain control over the discourse.

15:28

Climate Change: Facts, Fear, and Extremism

  • Roger Pilkey Jr. at the University of Colorado showed that the cost of natural disasters, when accounting for wealth and harm's way, had not increased, with no climate signal in those disasters over the last 30 years.
  • The White House under Barack Obama participated in demonizing Roger Pilkey, falsely alleging he was funded by fossil fuel interests.
  • Climate extremists demonized Pilkey to protect powerful financial interests and maintain their narrative.
  • Presenting facts to those with opposing views initially leads to rejection, but over time, it can help individuals see the cult-like belief system they are trapped in.
  • Climate scientists are now emphasizing that climate change is not the end of the world, acknowledging the loss of credibility due to exaggerated claims about extreme weather events.
  • Climate activists' predictions of apocalyptic scenarios have led to catastrophic impacts on the general population, especially young people, fostering anxiety and depression.
  • The discourse around climate change has instilled a sense of hopelessness in children, discouraging them from having a positive outlook on the future.
  • The anti-human ideology propagated by climate activists suggests that having children will lead to catastrophic consequences, further fueling anxiety and despair.
  • The radical and apocalyptic narratives surrounding climate change have led to a rise in anxiety and extremism among groups like Just Stop Oil and Greenpeace.
  • The infantilization of an apocalyptic worldview, coupled with narcissism and attention-seeking behavior, drives individuals to make extreme claims and engage in radical actions, undermining civilization and societal foundations.

30:26

"Climate Change Challenges and Solutions Worldwide"

  • The book "Apocalypse Never" was written to address climate fanaticism and provides a summary of scientific evidence, including peer-reviewed papers and IPCC reports.
  • Environmentalprogress.org offers primary scientific data that contradicts extreme climate change statements.
  • California has faced rolling blackouts due to demands for more electric cars and reliance on renewables, leading to increased electricity prices.
  • Despite a build-out of solar energy, California received less electricity from zero-carbon sources in 2021 than in 2011 due to weather variability and reliance on renewables.
  • Germany's renewable energy growth has stagnated due to weather-dependent energy sources like wind and solar.
  • The wind industry in the US is seeking a bailout due to unsustainable project costs, leading to opposition in Congress for further funding.
  • The shift to electric cars poses challenges like consumer anxiety over recharging, critical mineral supply chain issues, and energy dependence on China.
  • Countries like France and Sweden, with nuclear power, have shown better adaptation to climate policies without radical measures.
  • Public support for ambitious climate goals like Net Zero may shift as policies become more expensive and impact daily lives.
  • San Francisco faces a homelessness crisis linked to open-air drug use, with failed leadership at local and gubernatorial levels due to victimhood ideology and lack of effective policies combining carrots and sticks.

44:33

"Rebuilding respect for police through policy change"

  • Despite increasing salaries, individuals are deterred from entering the police profession due to a lack of pride, social satisfaction, and the demonization of police officers, who have actually shown a decline in violence against suspects and criminals since the 1970s through improved training and methods.
  • The need for an apology to police officers is emphasized, with a call for a cultural shift to better value and appreciate their role in society, highlighting the importance of electing politicians who support policies addressing societal concerns like public drug use and illegal camping, while also advocating for alternatives to incarceration such as Universal psychiatric care and addiction treatment.
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