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The truths and lies of Trump and Musk's X conversation on climate change
In a two-hour conversation on X, former President Trump and Elon Musk debated climate change, offering mixed views on the issue.
Brad Plumer and Raymond Zhong report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Musk warned that an immediate halt to fossil fuels would be catastrophic, but supported a gradual transition to renewable energy over 50-100 years. He didn't acknowledge even the most aggressive energy transition plans envision a gradual process.
- Trump expressed skepticism about the viability of electric cars and criticized President Biden’s rollback of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, falsely claiming the protected area has more oil than Saudi Arabia.
- Both discussed the potential role of nuclear power, with Musk highlighting its safety compared to fossil fuels.
- They also discussed EV reliance on fossil fuels, cattle ranching relationship to climate change and the effects of carbon dioxide, among other subjects.
Key quote:
“Nuclear electricity generation is underrated...it’s actually one of the safest forms of electricity generation.”
— Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla.
Why this matters:
Musk and Trump influence millions, making their views on climate and energy critical in shaping public opinion and policy. Their contrasting perspectives reflect broader divisions in the American public on how to tackle climate change and manage the transition to sustainable energy. As leaders with vast influence, their views, sometimes based on misinformation, not only drive discourse but also have the potential to steer the direction of national and global climate policies.
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Newsletter
At least 30 Reform UK candidates doubt climate change
At least 30 Reform UK candidates have questioned human-caused global warming on social media, according to a Guardian analysis.
In short:
- Many candidates label climate change warnings as a "hoax" or "scam," promoting conspiracy theories involving "global elites" and "the Illuminati."
- Reform UK's only MP, Lee Anderson and the party chair, Richard Tice, also express skepticism about the impact of decarbonization on global heating.
- The party's election contract pledges to eliminate the UK's net-zero commitments, reflecting a broader denial of human-caused climate disruption.
Key quote:
“This is a scientifically illiterate approach. People across the country are suffering from climate change and these candidates are not suitable to represent them.”
— Bob Ward, the policy and communications director at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics.
Why this matters:
Reform UK's climate change denial could hinder effective climate action in the next parliament. Their stance reflects a growing trend of skepticism on the political right, potentially undermining efforts to address the climate crisis.
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Newsletter
Opinion: Fossil fuel industry obstructs renewable energy progress
Despite renewable energy being more affordable and prevalent, the fossil fuel industry is using misinformation and lobbying to hinder its adoption.
In short:
- Fossil fuel interests are using tactics like lobbying and spreading misinformation to prevent the adoption of cheaper renewable energy.
- Renewables now produce 30% of the world's electricity, yet fossil fuel companies falsely claim they are unreliable and harmful.
- Misleading narratives and political donations are used to sway public opinion and policy against renewable energy.
Why this matters:
Fossil fuel misinformation delays the transition to renewable energy, which is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Armed with deep pockets and political influence, those in the fossil fuel industry are deploying strategies aimed at slowing the transition to cleaner energy. This includes spreading misinformation about the reliability and efficiency of renewables, and casting doubt on the urgency of climate change.
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Newsletter
Living on Earth: The new climate denial
A recent report finds that social media platforms like YouTube are amplifying and sometimes profiting from new forms of climate denial that falsely claim it’s too late to act on the climate crisis.
China sows disinformation about Hawaii fires using new techniques
Beijing’s influence campaign using artificial intelligence is a rapid change in tactics, researchers from Microsoft and other organizations say.
Newsletter
Falsehoods follow close behind this summer’s natural disasters
As natural disasters and extreme environmental conditions became more commonplace around the world this summer, scientists pointed repeatedly to a shared driver: climate change. Conspiracy theorists pointed to anything but.
As fires and floods rage, Facebook and Twitter are missing in action
Natural disasters in Canada and California highlight how Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk have pulled back from the news, complicating emergency responses.
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