Climate Cover-Up

The implications of climate change and global warming are one of the most complex topics to understand. With the media's controversial depictions and the increasing amount of doubt, society remains perplexed about the effects of climate change and global warming.

James Hoggan, the co-founder of DeSmogBlog, addresses this issue in his book "Climate Cover-Up: The Crusade to Deny Global Warming." The book examines the corporate approach to the issue of global warming and reveals misconceptions on the topic. Hoggan questions the motives of corporate giants and uses metaphors to inform his audience of "whom to trust." He identifies these corporate structures as "lousy lifeguards," people who are untrained and put society at risk (Hoggan,7).

For example, Hoggan identifies Freeman Dyson as a classic lifeguard. Dyson is a well-recognized and established physicist/writer. He has won a multitude of awards for his outstanding work in science and journalism. Unfortunately, Dyson is also a major critic of global warming. According to the book, in the March 25, edition of the New York Times Magazine, Dyson was credited as being "the Civil Heretic." Although this was an esteemed honor, Hoggan expresses how the media misinterprets ideas of flawed sources.

"As a lifeguard, the last time Freeman Dyson went down to the bottom of the cliff to check on the rock pile was, well, never. He too has no background in climate science, having done no research whatever - ever - on atmospheric physics or on climate modelling" (Hoggan, 8).

This specific chapter resonated with me because it allowed me to recognize how our perceptions of climate change and global warming can be altered. It is imperative for public relations practitioners to gain knowledge from credible sources so that they can build relationships and enhance behaviors. If public relations practitioners fail to do so, not only will they lose clients, but they may also face losing credibility themselves.