January 17, 2025

Hot Mess Part Seven: Climate Skepticism—A Global Comparison

24 minutes

In this penultimate episode of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, we expand our focus beyond the United States to explore the global landscape of climate skepticism. Climate denial is not just an American phenomenon but takes on unique forms in different nations, influenced by cultural, political, and economic factors. We compare the deeply entrenched skepticism in the U.S. with the varied approaches seen in countries like China, Germany, Australia, and South Korea, shedding light on what drives climate attitudes worldwide.

Featuring insights from four dynamic voices, this episode delves into how media, education, and policy influence public perception, and what lessons can be learned from global successes and failures in addressing climate change.

Key Topics Covered:

The roots of climate skepticism in the United States and its global parallels.

How countries like Germany and South Korea have avoided widespread denial while the U.S. and Australia continue to struggle.

The transformative power of education and infrastructure, as seen in China’s rapid advancements.

Faith and climate action in the U.S., with a focus on how the Catholic Church has responded to Laudato Si’.

Conservative approaches to climate solutions and the role of young conservatives in shifting the conversation.

Featured Guests:

Katie Zakrzewski: Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio and a young conservative from the South, Katie provides a deep dive into climate skepticism in the U.S. and contrasts it with Europe and beyond.

Horace Mo: Former Citizens Climate Radio intern, Horace shares his experiences growing up in China and reflects on the nation’s ambitious strides in renewable energy and urban planning.

Jose Aguto: Climate advocate and former Associate Director of the Catholic Climate Covenant, Jose discusses the global Catholic response to climate change and the unique challenges faced by the U.S. Church.

Zach Torpie: Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio, Zach highlights how young conservatives are driving forward-thinking climate solutions and pushing for energy independence through renewables.

Compelling Quotes:

“In China, climate education is part of the curriculum from an early age. It’s consistent and woven into what we learn about the world.” — Horace Mo

“The broader cultural divides in the U.S. affect how climate action is viewed even within faith communities.” — Jose Aguto

“Young conservatives see renewables as competitive, low-impact, and a way to outcompete China in the global market.” — Zach Torpie

Organizations and Resources Mentioned:

Citizens’ Climate Lobby Action Page: cclusa.org/action

Catholic Climate Covenant: catholicclimatecovenant.org

Green Tea Party Radio: Available wherever you get podcasts.

Yale Program on Climate Change Communication: climatecommunication.yale.edu

BTS Center’s Climate Changed Podcast: Visit Climate Changed Podcast

Join the Conversation

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Tune in next month for more inspiring stories, expert insights, and actionable climate solutions. Together, we can make a difference, one story at a time.

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Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org

Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646 (+1 if calling from outside the USA.)

Credits

Research: Horace Mo Mo, Lily Rushen, Peterson Toscano

Editorial Assistance: Flannery Winchester, Elise Silvestri, Brett Cease

Production: Peterson Toscano, Elise Silvestri

Music: Our theme music is Chasing Stories by Elise Silvestri. Other music byEpidemic Sound.

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By Citizens\' Climate Lobby

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