The article discusses the challenges faced by science in modern society, particularly in the context of Australia’s bushfires and the Covid-19 crisis in the U.S. The authors identify five interconnected forces they term the “five Ps” — plutocrats, petrostates, paid proponents of anti-science, propagandists, and the media — that collectively fuel an “antiscience virus” of disinformation. This disinformation undermines public trust in science, especially regarding climate action and public health measures such as vaccinations.
The authors critique the influence of the Murdoch media empire in Australia, noting its promotion of climate denialism, yet they commend the Australian public for their resilience against disinformation. The article contrasts Australia’s political landscape with the U.S., where there is a greater susceptibility to antiscience sentiments, influenced by factors like gerrymandering and low voter turnout.
Despite Australian politicians’ shortcomings in addressing climate change, the current government acknowledges it as an existential threat, unlike the previous U.S. administration. The authors emphasize the need for reforms in the American electoral system to combat disinformation, while also calling for accountability for media entities that spread antiscience narratives. They advocate for ongoing inquiries into media diversity in Australia and highlight the detrimental impact of outlets like Fox News on public understanding of science. Their new book, Science Under Siege, delves deeper into these critical issues.
