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Ideological Narratives and beyond in a Post-Truth World

Chapter 7 concludes with a review of the self-constructed climate skeptic community’s efforts to challenge the dominance of anthropogenic climate science by systematically creating an ideological narrative framed as us vs. them through particular use of words/phrases and rhetorical and messaging strategies. US climate skepticism is also part of the post–WW II anti-reflexivity movement that views reflexivity around climate science as increasingly intruding on public policy and personal freedoms, which it vehemently rejects. To meet this challenge, this chapter proposes building on existing research combatting misinformation about science; changing the messaging around climate science; changing communication strategies in mainstream and social media; and teaching climate change in schools. It argues that continued debate is necessary, giving scientists their due on matters of evidence while not dismissing people’s doubts and closing off discussion. In an increasingly divided world, only dialogue can begin to save us from ideological paralysis.