Peter Hotez, a vaccine scientist, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, were supposed to debate on Joe Rogan’s podcast in 2023, with Hotez’s charity benefitting by $100,000 if he participated. The debate didn’t occur, prompting Hotez to co-author a book, Science Under Siege, with climate scientist Michael E. Mann. The book explores the anti-science movement’s complexities, highlighting issues like climate denial and social media-fueled misinformation.
Hotez critiques the U.S. as a major exporter of anti-science sentiment, noting its global spread and linking it to health crises and climate change. He discusses the challenges posed by this movement, including the impact on pandemic preparedness and public trust in science. Despite facing personal attacks and pseudoscientific claims, Hotez finds motivation in the fight against anti-science.
He emphasizes the importance of scientists being recognized publicly and argues that combating the anti-science movement may be as crucial as the science itself. Hotez remains cautiously optimistic, believing that maintaining a focus on science is vital for humanity’s survival and democracy.
