Attacks on Scientific Consensus on Climate Change Mirror Tactics of Tobacco Industry

The importance of public perception of scientific consensus has been established in a number of studies (e.g., here, here and here).  Perhaps nothing underscores its importance more than the strenuous efforts that opponents of climate action have exerted in attacking consensus.  For over two decades, fossil fuel interests and right-wing ideologues have sought to cast doubt on the consensus.

The most entertaining conspiracy theories are Christopher Monckton's suggestion that the high-impact journal Environmental Research Letters was created for the purpose of publishing our paper and Anthony Watts' accusation that Dana Nuccitelli has vested interests in oil.

Attacks on Scientific Consensus on Climate Change Mirror Tactics of Tobacco Industry