Naomi Oreskes, David Gelles and The Myth of Free Markets

05/26/23 • 59 min

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Many on the left say that the growing climate crisis is the inevitable result of unbridled capitalism – industries seeking profits above all else. In “The Big Myth,” Naomi Oreskes (who brought us “Merchants of Doubt”) points to a concerted effort from American business groups to propagate the myth that only markets free of government regulation can generate prosperity and protect political freedom.

“If we actually had appropriate regulations, appropriate rules of the road, we wouldn't be in this position of having to beg corporate leaders not to destroy the planet,” Oreskes says.

This myth has grown so pervasive that American citizens now put more faith in CEOs than in religious leaders, according to David Gelles, author of “The Man Who Broke Capitalism.” What should be done to change the narrative?

Guests:

Naomi Oreskes, Professor of the History of Science, Harvard

David Gelles, Reporter, The New York Times

Kate Khatib, Co-Director, Seed Commons

For show notes and related links, visit https://www.climateone.org/watch-and-listen/podcasts

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“If we actually had appropriate regulations, appropriate rules of the road, we wouldn't be in this position of having to beg corporate leaders not to destroy the planet,” Oreskes says.

Guests:

Naomi Oreskes, Professor of the History of Science, Harvard

David Gelles, Reporter, The New York Times

Kate Khatib, Co-Director, Seed Commons

For show notes and related links, visit https://www.climateone.org/watch-and-listen/podcasts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Previous Episode

Two Heroes Challenging the Powerful

Making the necessary changes to address climate disruption will take massive collective action. But sometimes, a single individual can make an extraordinary difference. At age nine, Nalleli Cobo, suffering headaches, heart palpitations, nosebleeds, and body spasms, became an activist, driven to fighting to shut down the local oil well responsible for her ailments. Separately, Marjan Minnesma brought a historic lawsuit holding the Dutch government accountable for its failure to protect its citizens from climate change. For these activists, addressing climate disruption isn’t just about preventing future harm, it’s about instigating change now.

Guests:

Nalleli Cobo, Cofounder, People Not Pozos

Marjan Minnesma, Founder, Urgenda Foundation

For show notes and related links, visit ClimateOne.org.

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Next Episode

Bringing Biodiversity Back from the Breaking Point

Land use, pollution and the climate crisis are driving what may be the largest mass extinction event since the dinosaurs. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that the planet has seen an average 68% drop in mammal, bird, fish, reptile and amphibian populations since 1970. In order to help address species collapse, over 190 countries – signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Biodiversity – recently agreed to an ambitious new plan, called 30x30, which aims to conserve 30% of the world’s land and waters by 2030. Will the framework be enough to bring biodiversity back from the breaking point?

This episode is supported in part by Resources Legacy Fund.

Guests:

Tanya Sanerib, International Legal Director, Center for Biological Diversity

Ian Urbina, Director and Founder, The Outlaw Ocean Project

Jennifer Tauli Corpuz, Managing Director of Policy, Nia Tero

For show notes and related links, visit ClimateOne.org.

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