Study Finds 15% of Americans Deny Climate Change; Misinformation Linked to Politics and Fossil Fuels
February 14, 2024A University of Michigan study analyzed over 7.4 million tweets and found that 15% of Americans deny climate change.
Climate denial is most prevalent in central and southern US, correlating with Republican voters and states dependent on fossil fuels.
Key influencers like former President Donald Trump contribute to the spread of climate change misinformation.
Social media algorithms reinforce echo chambers, hindering scientists' efforts to counteract misinformation.
Researchers urge social media platforms to flag or ban users who consistently disseminate climate change falsehoods.
The study draws connections between climate change denial, low vaccination rates, and influence from the fossil fuels lobby and conservative think tanks.
There is a notable segment of the US population skeptical about climate change despite scientific consensus.
Summary based on 8 sources