A climate scientist and a vaccine developer warn in their co-authored book, “Science Under Siege,” that science is facing a significant threat from powerful anti-science forces. Michael Mann, a climate specialist, and Peter Hotez, a microbiologist, emphasize that the world is grappling with climate change, severe weather patterns, and misinformation about public health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both scientists, initially unprepared for activism, have faced harassment for their efforts to communicate scientific truths. They identify a coordinated attack on science, particularly from the Republican Party, and list five main perpetrators: wealthy individuals and their political groups, nations reliant on fossil fuels, misleading professionals, propagandists, and certain media outlets.
Mann and Hotez argue that the ongoing anti-science movement undermines necessary collective action against climate change and pandemics, positing it as a serious threat to civilization’s survival. They draw parallels between historical anti-science propaganda and current misinformation campaigns that distort scientific findings and instill fear, preventing society from addressing urgent issues.
The authors advocate for political engagement and voter turnout to combat this anti-science sentiment, warning that without systemic changes, the future for humanity and the planet looks bleak.
