Hot Mess Part Six: Snowballs, Skepticism, and Climate Lies

Citizens' Climate Lobby

In Hot Mess Part Six: Snowballs, Skepticism, and Climate Lies, we uncover the deliberate tactics used to mislead the public about climate change, highlighting key players like the Koch brothers and Senator James Inhofe, alongside truth-tellers like former Representative Bob Inglis. The episode examines how misinformation campaigns, economic fearmongering, and symbolic stunts, such as Senator Inhofe’s infamous snowball moment, undermined climate science and bipartisan efforts for climate solutions. Featuring insights from guests Chelsea Henderson and Katie Zakrzewski, the episode delves into the emotional and cultural barriers to climate action and explores how understanding these dynamics can foster a path toward bipartisan collaboration and meaningful solutions.

Guest Profiles

1. Chelsea Henderson

   • Host of EcoRight Speaks Podcast and author of The Inside Story of Climate Politics.
   • Chelsea provides in-depth analysis of how the Koch brothers funded a web of organizations to sow doubt about climate science and resist regulatory action.

2. Katie Zakrzewski

   • Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio.
   • Katie critiques how Senator Inhofe’s snowball stunt became a rallying cry for climate denial and explores the emotional resonance of his rhetoric with conservative audiences.

3. Representative Bob Inglis

   • Former Republican Congressman from South Carolina and Executive Director of RepublicEn.
   • Bob shares his personal journey from climate skeptic to advocate, emphasizing how conservative values align with environmental stewardship.

Compelling Quotes

1. Chelsea Henderson:
   "The Koch brothers conned millions into believing polluters shouldn’t be held accountable for their pollution while everyday Americans pick up the tab."

2. Katie Zakrzewski:
   "He sure did undo 30 to 50 years of science by throwing a snowball. It’s the equivalent of saying world hunger isn’t real because I just ate lunch."

3. Representative Bob Inglis:
   "Protecting the vulnerable is loving God and loving people. Surely, that’s what climate action is about."

Groups, Resources, and Historical Moments Referenced

• Organizations:

  • RepublicEn
  • Green Tea Party Radio
  • Citizens Climate Lobby Action Page
  • Union of Concerned Scientists

• Historical Moments:

  • Senator James Inhofe’s snowball stunt (2015)
  • The Koch brothers’ influence from the Kyoto Protocol (1997) to the present

• Media:

  • C-SPAN for archival footage of Senator Inhofe’s snowball incident
  • Michelle Malkin’s Hot Air show for Inhofe’s comments on Al Gore and climate change