Deconstructing a Climate Skeptic (Re-release): The Marc Morano Podcast

In episode 97 of America Adapts, which is a re-release of Episode 47, Doug talks with noted climate change skeptic, Marc Morano of Climate Depot.  Doug and Marc discuss his motivation to be a contrarian voice on climate change and his history working on environmental issues, from being a reporter for Rush Limbaugh, to being chief spokesman for noted climate skeptic Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma. We also talk about the current state of climate affairs.  In the second part of the episode, Dr. Randy Olson joins Doug to deconstruct the conversation with Marc and to see what the climate change community can learn from Marc’s tactics and motivations. In light of recent major setbacks, e.g., pulling out of the Paris Agreement, Randy analyzes Marc’s approach and offers a way forward to the climate community. Doug includes an updated wrap up, sharing his thoughts on climate change communication. Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! In this Episode: AMAZONIAN ROOTS OF SKEPTICISM – Marc shares the roots of his climate skepticism and how his early work led him to the positions he now takes. SHOW ME THE MONEY? -  Marc and Doug discuss money involved on both sides of this issue. Marc discusses how he is not motivated by money but by his own certainty around climate change science. MIDDLE FINGER CLIMATE POLICIES – Marc discusses his admiration for President Trump for thumbing his nose at the establishment and pulling out of the Paris Agreement. Marc also explains how Trump could have handled the pullout more effectively. Part 2:  Randy Olson Deconstructs INTERVIEW ANALYSIS – Randy discusses Marc’s interview and explains what motivates Marc in his climate skepticism. RECOMMENDED ACTIONS – Randy provides some tough love on what the climate community can do next to effectively counter people like Marc Morano. It’s blunt but useful advice. Interviewed in this episode: Marc Morano Randy Olson *This was an unusual episode, with many references to scientific studies. Fact checking the conversation would have made it impossible to have a useful conversation, but I wanted to include a few resources related to some of the discussions in the podcast. Marc Morano on multiple occasions mentioned the study where there is 97% consensus that climate change is happening and he implied this included people studying areas impacted by climate change (he mentioned a hypothetical scientist studying butterflies) and the implication is that this person would be included in this 97% number. There are multiple studies looking at consensus on this issue, and that’s probably what he’s referring to, but there was a study looking at what publishing climate scientists are saying, and that’s where the 97% number was reached. I thought it was important to clarify that information. Facebook and Twitter: @usaadapts @ABTagenda @ClimateDepot Donate to America Adapts Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Android Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here! Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Subscribe/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! Links in episode: http://www.climatedepot.com/ http://www.scienceneedsstory.com/ www.americaadapts.org http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a7078/marc-morano-0410/ http://www.salon.com/2015/03/06/merchants_of_doubt_meet_the_sleazy_spin_doctors_who_will_stop_at_nothing_to_obscure_the_truth/ http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/intersection/2009/04/10/randy-olson-on-marc-morano-who-was-featured-in-sizzle/ https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Such-Scientist-Second-Substance/dp/1610919173/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9MH7SB4VA77PJS1P59YR Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!   The best climate change podcasts on The Climate Advisor http://theclimateadvisor.com/the-best-climate-change-podcasts/ 7 podcasts to learn more about climate change and how to fight ithttps://kinder.world/articles/you/7-podcasts-to-learn-more-about-climate-change-and-how-to-fight-it-19813 Directions on how to listen to America Adapts on Amazon Alexa https://youtu.be/949R8CRpUYU America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure!  Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Play on Android and search “America Adapts.” Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts!  Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible! For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.   Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Itunes! America Adapts on Facebook!   Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we’re also on YouTube! Producer Dan Ackerstein Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com