The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial

Lipsky (Absolutely American) charts the history of global warming, from Edison’s taming of electricity through Westinghouse and Tesla to today’s climate crisis. In 1956, scientists demonstrated that global warming was happening and warned that the consequences could be catastrophic if conditions remained unchecked. Carbon emissions were identified as the main problem. Scientists presented evidence to political leaders, waiting for remedial policies to be implemented. Big corporations had other ideas. Their scientists created a story that insidiously cast doubt on the concept of global warming. Opportunities to mitigate the effects of human activity on climate were repeatedly ignored, questioned, or set aside altogether. Even when the warming trend became obvious, and catastrophic weather events became commonplace, leaders in the U.S. did nothing and even reversed previous legislation addressing the problems. Narrator Mike Chamberlain enhances Lipsky’s extensively researched work with his animated, conversational style. He is especially effective when conveying the punchiness of Lipsky’s prose.