In their book “Science Under Siege: How To Fight The Five Most Powerful Forces That Threaten Our World,” Michael E. Mann and Peter J. Hotez echo Carl Sagan’s concerns from “The Demon Haunted World” about the dangers of sidelining science, highlighting a disturbing trend towards anti-science that they believe has intensified since Sagan’s time. They note that the resurgence of misinformation has contributed to major public health crises, particularly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, which they assert has resulted in significant preventable deaths, especially in Republican-majority states due to targeted propaganda.
Mann and Hotez identify the anti-vaccine movement and skepticism towards climate science as pressing issues exacerbated by misinformation from various sources, including powerful political and corporate interests, particularly in fossil fuel-dependent nations like Russia. They emphasize that individuals and groups leveraging anti-scientific rhetoric have not only harmed public health but also contributed to broader societal destabilization.
Attacks on their work have left them vulnerable, facing harassment and threats, reflective of a larger trend of hostility toward scientists. The authors urge scientists to engage more politically, advocating for pro-science candidates and policies, and emphasize the necessity for collaborative international efforts to combat anti-science agendas.
To counter the spread of misinformation, Mann and Hotez propose measures such as enhancing media literacy, improving education, and fostering stronger governmental regulations on social media. They argue that the future of civilization hinges on overcoming anti-science, warning that failure to do so could lead to its collapse. Their book, while aimed at addressing these urgent issues, may resonate more with those who already share their perspectives.
