The Effect of Misinformation on the Delay of Climate Legislation; Economic and Environmental Solutions to Make Environmental Progress in the Absence of Political Support

The scientific community has come to a consensus that climate change is anthropogenic yet the American public is lagging in understanding and acceptance. While the scientific community has tried to spread this information to the public, scientific misinformation propels a narrative that climate science is untrustworthy and inaccurate, and portrays an overrepresented side of climate change deniers to the climate debate. Misinformation is spread by harming scientist's reputations, curating fake science, lobbying, investing in organizations that have prominent and previously trusted names, and most importantly, by spreading doubt about scientific findings. Because misinformation (coupled with lobbying) motivates an anti-environmental policy mindset in our elected officials, bills are challenging to pass. We must work without this legislation by promoting environmental solutions that also have economic benefits that attract the support of investors as well as elected officials. These solutions include the promotion of individual investment in renewable energy, an increase in green employment, and an increase in carbon capture and other technologies that utilize released carbon to make profitable products. These solutions have the potential to strengthen our economy while working towards a green economy.