The article discusses the challenges faced by climate scientist Michael E. Mann and biologist Peter J. Hotez, who have both been targeted by media and political attacks aimed at discrediting their scientific work. In response to these assaults, particularly exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, they collaborated on a book titled “Science Under Siege: How to Fight the Five Most Powerful Forces That Threaten Our World.”
Mann and Hotez share personal experiences of facing organized disinformation campaigns, deriving their insights from the overlap between attacks on climate science and biomedicine. They identify five key forces—Plutocrats, Petro-states, Pros, Propagandists, and the Press—that contribute to the erosion of trust in science.
The authors argue that wealthy individuals (like Elon Musk), fossil fuel-dependent states, and partisan media outlets work together to undermine scientific credibility. They emphasize the importance of effective communication to counter this organized disinformation and advocate for a proactive approach among scientists to engage with the public.
Mann feels that righteous anger can motivate action against anti-science rhetoric, while both scientists encourage their peers to speak out and defend science despite potential backlash. They believe it is essential to recognize the politically motivated nature of these attacks and to inspire public engagement to combat the misinformation prevalent in society.
