Hot Mess Part Three: How Climate Consensus Crumbled: The Rise of Political Chaos

Show Notes for Hot Mess: The Great Climate Divide - How Consensus Became Chaos

Episode Summary: In this third episode of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, host Peterson Toscano unravels the pivotal shifts that transformed bipartisan climate cooperation into a landscape rife with skepticism and polarization. Joined by guests Chelsea Henderson and Katie Zarkreski, the conversation delves into the rise of disinformation campaigns, strategic political alliances, and economic anxieties that redefined the public perception of climate change.

Key Topics:

• Early Momentum and Opposition: The episode begins by revisiting the climate action momentum of the early 1990s and how fossil fuel interests orchestrated disinformation campaigns to cast doubt on climate science.
• Industry Playbooks and Political Strategy: Chelsea Henderson, director at republicEn, explains the fossil fuel industry’s approach: sowing fear about economic impacts and casting scientific doubt. She reveals how well-funded ad campaigns promoted skepticism and stalled meaningful climate policy.
• From Climate Skepticism to Political Gridlock: Katie Zarkreski, co-host of Green Tea Party Radio, discusses the fossil fuel industry’s long history of suppressing climate science findings. Katie examines how both major political parties, under pressure from industry donors, began shifting away from environmental priorities.
• The Role of Key Players: The episode spotlights influential groups like Koch Industries and the Global Climate Coalition, revealing how they fueled a culture of denial and gridlock, reinforcing economic fears and blocking policies, from carbon taxes to international treaties.
• A Bipartisan Complication: Despite traditionally pro-environment platforms, Democrats also contributed to climate inaction. Katie discusses the nuanced role both parties played in the evolving skepticism and economic focus of the era, setting the stage for today’s divided climate politics.

Featured Guests:

• Chelsea Henderson - Host of Eco Right Speaks and director of Editorial Content at republicEn. Chelsea brings over 25 years of climate policy expertise, offering insights into the mechanics of climate politics in Washington, D.C.
• Katie Zarkreski - Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio and climate advocate with a background in faith-based environmental stewardship, Katie shares her journey from skepticism to activism, highlighting how conservative values align with climate action.

Call to Action

Want to learn how you can get involved in bipartisan climate solutions? Visit cclusa.org/action. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends or on social media. Every share helps inspire more people to take meaningful action on climate change.

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Credits

• Research: Horace Mo Mo, Lily Rushen, Peterson Toscano
• Editorial Assistance: Flannery Winchester, Elise Silvestri, Brett Cease
• Production: Peterson Toscano, Elise Silvestri

Music: Our theme music is Chasing Stories by Elise Silvestri. Other music byEpidemic Sound.