Study Finds 15% of Americans Deny Climate Change; Misinformation Linked to Politics and Fossil Fuels

February 15, 2024
Study Finds 15% of Americans Deny Climate Change; Misinformation Linked to Politics and Fossil Fuels
  • A 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


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