‘ Merchants of Doubt’ unravels the climate change catastrophe that has extended far and wide much than anticipated. Viewers are exposed to the data compiled by authors Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway in reinforcing this issue particularly the causal relationship that fossil fuels bring aboard. The film directs viewers to the media and elected leaders’ perspective that has continually placed doubts on climate change and demand an equal time in discussing this issue. (Woody) Neoliberalism, climate change, and globalization continuously shape the policies nations make thereby dictating the future of the world.
Neoliberalism
Neoliberalism emerges as an ideology that animates much of the leadership class globally. It champions the ideals of privatization of public services and property. Additionally, it brings fosters deregulation and free trade. The tenets of neoliberalism have been adopted by both sides of the discussion, environmentalists, and deniers of climate change. For environmentalists, it is beyond reasonable doubt that climate change perpetuated through fossil fuels continues to harm the earth. As a result, they propose regulations aimed at cutting down on greenhouse emissions.
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In contrast, deniers of climate change argue that the science has not offered a conclusive prediction concerning the risks of the phenomenon. Wealthy corporate interests have remained stable and secure under the tenets of neoliberalism. The movie introduces a classic example of the lawsuits that the tobacco industry was constantly facing in the 1980s and 1990s. The political landscape and the techniques employed by the anti-science crusaders consistently shifted casting doubt on climate change.
Climate Change
Climate is a tightly knitted subject with the tobacco one in the film. Scientists have acknowledged the impact of climate change on the world today because of various implications including tobacco smoking. The habit of smoking tobacco releases carbon dioxide that is harmful to the environment in addition to the health hazards inflicted on humans. Big oil industries and other companies engaged in the fossil fuel business are aware of the impact of the emissions but still stay put on contrary opinions. These interests have been spearheaded by elected leaders including senators and governors some who continually denounce climate change as a hoax. The spirited efforts championed by wealthy corporate industries to denounce climate change tactically traces back to how the tobacco industry dealt with the lawsuits coming against it. Claiming that addictiveness of nicotine was debatable alludes to the claims that climate change is a hoax. However, scientists have continuously warned of changing weather patterns and climate conditions.
Globalization
Globalization is a product of neoliberalism that encourages free trade and deregulation in markets. Multinationals have made breakthroughs in different markets thanks to globalization. As a result, they have generated considerable wealth that has influenced the media and opinions of elected leaders. Globalization has made companies wealthy giving them the power to change policies shifting them towards their advantage.
Solution to Global Warming
Tackling global warming demands drastic reductions in the overall use of energy with a critical focus on embracing renewable sources such as solar, hydropower, and wind. Significant changes to global infrastructure are also critical, for example, having smart buildings that significantly cut down on energy use and conserve more. Increasing awareness concerning climate change will help shift the perceptions concerning the doubts posed on this critical issue.
Conclusion
In the film, opponents of climate change boldly note that the issue is a hoax and continuously cast doubt on the effects of climate change and other matters such as addictiveness of nicotine in cigarettes. However, realities of climate change constantly transpire in day-to-day life today. The aspects of neoliberalism, climate change, and globalization continuously shape the future of current and future generations.
References
Woody, M. (2017, Feb 3). Merchants of Doubt Full Movie . Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqiCLuOtXts
