Noam Chomsky: How Climate Change Became a 'Liberal Hoax'

In this sixth video in the series "Peak Oil and a Changing Climate" from The Nation and On The Earth Productions, linguist, philosopher and political activist Noam Chomsky talks about the Chamber of Commerce, the American Petroleum Institute and other business lobbies enthusiastically carrying out campaigns "to try and convince the population that global warming is a liberal hoax." According to Chomsky, this massive public relations campaign has succeeded in leading a good portion of the population into doubting the human causes of global warming.

Known for his criticism of the media, Chomsky doesn't hold back in this clip, laying blame on mainstream media outlets such as the New York Times, which will run frontpage articles on what meteorologists think about global warming. "Meteorologists are pretty faces reading scripts telling you whether it's going to rain tomorrow," Chomsky says. "What do they have to say any more than your barber?" All this is part of the media's pursuit of "fabled objectivity."

Of particular concern for Chomsky is the atmosphere of anger, fear and hostility that currently reigns in America. The public's hatred of Democrats, Republicans, big business and banks and the public's distrust of scientists all lead to general disregard for the findings of "pointy-headed elitists." The 2010 elections could be interpreted as a "death knell for the species" because most of the new Republicans in Congress are global warming deniers. "If this was happening in some small country," Chomsky concludes, "it wouldn't matter much. But when it's happening in the richest, most powerful country in the world, it's a danger to the survival of the species."

Visit www.TheNation.com to learn more about "Peak Oil and a Changing Climate," and to see the other videos in the series.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Noam Chomsky
• Peak Oil
• Oil
• Energy
• The Nation
• On The Earth Productions

[firedogvegas]

Okay.. So explain to me why the general's "denialist" sources are wrong, and your sources are right. What makes his sources any more illegitimate than your own?

[Viracocha711]

@WaxItYourself There is no use trying to talk sense into this @TheGeneralOfWar This person seems to like copy & pastingtstuff from Denialist websites rather than simply going to the SCIENCE. SAD!!

[Viracocha711]

@TheGeneralOfWar You need to listen to what @superduperjew is telling you!You are VERY CONFUSED & it is clear you know nothing but what you are reading on Denialist websites.If you want to be USED as a USEFUL IDIOT for the Fossil Fuel Industry the is your call but if you are interested in the TRUTH then you need to listen to what people in the comment section are telling you!! Plus, you can go to skepticalscience(dot)com for FACTS for the SCIENCE of Anthropogenic Climate Change!

[Gavin0403]

Climate change by carbon is a hoax! I dont trust this guy now I see hes saying that he agrees to it. "Denier" is used to stimgatise people who don't agree with this scam. I am really dissapointed in this guy believing in this and acting like he knows what he's talking about!!! This is bullshit! Look at the statistics and listen to the alternative views without saying they are being paid by the oil companies. Another shrill move. I cant watch this guy! He's annoying the hell out of me!

[WaxItYourself]

@TheGeneralOfWar The alleged fake document has all the same information the other documents have. Heartland is trying to sway the simple minded. You seem to fit into the category.

[jaminunit]

@SnugglePuma No need to be rude mate, I have read most of his books but hi voice just does my head in.

[TheGeneralOfWar]

@TheGeneralOfWar Link w w w .theatlantic. com/national/archive/2012/02/l­eaked-docs-from-heartland-inst­itute-cause-a-stir-but-is-one-­a-fake/253165/

[TheGeneralOfWar]

@WaxItYourself Megan McCardle, who is not a skeptic, has a great post on why she thinks the document is a fake. Her analysis is the best I have seen and as near conclusive as one can get on these things. One additional bit of information she provides is that the Kock brother’s donations to Heartland are designated for Health Care issues, and have nothing to do with climate issues, a point that a staffer would surely know. cont

[superduperjew]

@TheGeneralOfWar Right on bro.

[WaxItYourself]

@TheGeneralOfWar Why are you continuing to get your information from news sources? If he did do what the news agency is stating he did then he'll be dealt with by the scientific community. They will shun him much as they do with anyone who does something similar. again, stop paying attention to conspiracy news articles and look at the science. Specifically what wavelengths of radiation are causing the warming an dhow they compare to sources.