Scientists Unite Against Antiscience Movement in New Book

The newly released book, Science Under Siege, co-authored by climate scientist Michael Mann and microbiologist Peter Hotez, addresses the growing antiscience sentiment in contemporary society. Their collaboration arises amidst a striking increase in misinformation regarding climate change and public health, with serious implications for global well-being.

Both Mann and Hotez have emerged as unexpected advocates for science. Mann, known for his 1998 hockey stick graph, which illustrated the sharp rise in global temperatures post-1900, and Hotez, who developed a low-cost COVID-19 vaccine distributed to nearly 100 million people in India and Indonesia, have faced significant backlash. This includes harassment from political figures and threats from individuals opposing their efforts to combat misinformation.

As they explore the intersection of climate change and public health, Mann and Hotez highlight a troubling trend: the convergence of their fields due to the effects of climate change on disease transmission. They argue that the increasing proximity to wildlife, which serves as reservoirs for pathogens, poses an escalating risk to human health.

In their analysis, they contend that a more insidious threat exists—an organized campaign against scientific integrity led by elements within the Republican Party. They identify five primary forces contributing to this antiscience movement:

1. **Plutocrats and their political action committees**
2. **Petrostates and associated politicians and polluters**
3. **Disreputable professionals, including some physicians and academics**
4. **Propagandists, particularly those utilizing digital platforms**
5. **Certain members of the press**

The authors describe a cycle where financial backers employ professionals to create misleading narratives, which are then amplified by propagandists and select media outlets. Notable figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump exemplify the overlap among these groups, wielding influence across multiple categories.

Mann and Hotez trace the historical roots of antiscience rhetoric, noting its use by authoritarian regimes over the past century. They draw parallels between the denial of climate change and the misinformation surrounding COVID-19, describing how both narratives evolved from downplaying threats to promoting individualistic fears regarding personal freedoms.

The authors assert that discrediting science is a crucial strategy for authoritarian control, undermining trust in knowledge and eroding societal stability. They emphasize that this disinformation campaign has hampered effective responses to both climate change and public health crises, as misinformation can foster division and inaction among the public.

In reflecting on the motivations behind this antiscience agenda, Mann and Hotez conclude that the primary goal is to maintain power and wealth, often at the expense of public welfare. They call for political engagement as a means to counter these destructive forces. Their message is clear: voting and supporting policies that prioritize science and public health are essential for future progress.

As they wrap up their arguments, Mann and Hotez stress that the future of humanity and the planet hinges on overcoming these antiscience tactics. They urge readers to recognize the stakes involved and mobilize for change. The authors assert, “Only political change, including massive turnout to support politicians who prioritize public interest over profit, can ultimately address these systemic challenges.”

The urgency of their message resonates as the world grapples with the consequences of misinformation and climate change, underscoring the critical need for a collective response to safeguard both health and the environment.