Creation Care Corner July 2025

The Union of Concerned Scientists has published a report on disinformation campaigns designed to obstruct scientific progress on the issue threatening all of us and our children – CLIMATE CHANGE. As they explain, “When disinformation spreads and takes hold, it has the power to shape the public dialogue and set the context in which vitally important policy decisions get made.”
Distortion #1: ”It’s so hard to tell who or what is responsible for climate change and extreme weather, that it’s basically impossible to do anything about it.”
Truth: Actually, analysis from UCS (Union of Concerned Scientists) has directly linked worsening forest fires to emissions from fossil fuel companies- including ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, and Shell. UCS has now attributed roughly half the increase in dangerous drought and fire conditions across western North America since 1901 to these companies.
Distortion #2: “The energy needs for the transportation sector are too great; we need to stick with current oil and gas standards.”
Truth: Actually we don’t. Because of advances in clean energy technologies and fuel efficiency, we already have all the tools we need to break our dangerous addiction to oil. With transportation accounting for 28 percent of US heat-trapping emissions- the country’s largest source- we can’t afford to not make change immediately. Five states have adopted rules requiring passenger car and truck sales to be 100 percent zero-emission by 2035, and the USPS has announced their delivery vehicles purchased after 2026 will be electric.
Distortion #3: “Our government is too dysfunctional and partisan, and progress just isn’t possible.”
Truth: Actually, the investments made in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have had an impact- creating jobs and changing the trajectory of the energy economy in red, blue, and purple states. States are working to cut pollution and pass 100 percent clean energy laws, which will slash heat-trapping emissions in those states by up to 87 percent.
Distortion #4: “It’s too expensive; we’re not ready to transition away from fossil fuels.”
Truth: Actually, we’re more than prepared to make this change. With the impacts of climate change worsening every year, we need to make the transition now. Politicians and lobbyists like to use disinformation about the economic effects, but clean energy transition is both feasible and hugely beneficial to the economy, climate, and public health. With concerted action we can achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2035. Sandy McKitrick, Climate Care Team