ChatGPT gets it right on climate denialism

A new AI technology — ChatGPT — is all the rage these days. A next-generation chatbot, ChatGPT has the ability to reply to written questions in a scholarly fashion, but with a twist: it can do so in a human-like manner.

Initially, my intention was to have some fun with the latest AI technology, but the answers of this new kind of “expert” proved to be so sophisticated, it turned into an “interview.” With my decade-long experience challenging the propaganda of climate denialism on Twitter, ChatGPT, in my opinion, revealed an impressive “understanding” of the climate denialism movement.

Gerald Kutney: “Provide one word to describe climate denialism?”

ChatGPT: “Dangerous.”

Kutney: “Why is climate denialism dangerous?”

ChatGPT: “Climate denialism is dangerous because it can impede progress towards addressing the climate crisis, which is one of the most urgent and pressing issues facing our planet today. When people deny the reality of climate change or the role of human activity in causing it, they may be less likely to support policies and actions that could mitigate its effects.

“This can lead to a lack of action or a delay in taking necessary steps to address the problem, which could have severe consequences for the planet and future generations. In addition, climate denialism can also undermine scientific research and the credibility of experts in the field, which could have broader implications for evidence-based decision-making in many areas of public policy.”

Kutney: “What is the difference between climate skepticism and climate denialism?”

ChatGPT: “Climate skepticism refers to a questioning attitude towards the scientific consensus on climate change and the desire for more information or evidence to support or disprove a particular scientific claim. This type of skepticism is a healthy part of the scientific process and can lead to new discoveries and advancements.

“Climate denialism, on the other hand, refers to the rejection of the overwhelming scientific evidence and consensus on human-caused climate change, often without credible evidence to support their position. Climate denialists often cherry-pick data, spread misinformation and dismiss the scientific consensus on climate change, often for ideological or financial reasons.

“In short, climate skepticism is a critical approach to scientific claims, while climate denialism is the rejection of established scientific knowledge and evidence on climate change.”

Kutney: “Why then do some support climate denialism?”

ChatGPT: “There are several reasons why some individuals and organizations may support climate denialism. Some may have ideological, political or economic motivations to oppose action on climate change. For instance, some corporations and industries that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions may fear regulations or financial costs associated with reducing emissions. Others may have a distrust of science and the scientific community or believe that climate change is not a pressing issue.

“In some cases, misinformation and false narratives about climate change may be spread deliberately to confuse the public and protect the interests of those opposing action on the issue.

“Regardless of the reason, climate denialism is not supported by the scientific evidence and can lead to harmful consequences for the environment and future generations.”

Kutney: “Should we ignore or challenge the propaganda of climate denialism?”

ChatGPT: “Ignoring climate denialism is not an effective approach because it allows misinformation and false claims to go unchallenged, which can have serious consequences for the environment and for our ability to address the climate crisis. It's important to challenge climate denialism and promote accurate information, but it's also important to do so in a respectful and constructive way.

“Challenging climate denialism requires a nuanced approach that addresses the underlying concerns and motivations of those who deny climate change. It's important to provide accurate information and engage in constructive dialogue, rather than simply attacking or dismissing those with different views.

“Ultimately, it's important to remember that addressing the climate crisis requires collective action and shared understanding, and that this can only be achieved by promoting accurate information, engaging in respectful dialogue and working towards solutions that benefit all of us.”

Kutney: “Why is it important what you have to say about climate denialism?”

ChatGPT: “As an AI language model, my responses are not based on personal beliefs or opinions, but rather on the available evidence and scientific consensus on a given topic. In the case of climate denialism, it is important to address this issue because the overwhelming scientific consensus is that the Earth's climate is changing, largely due to human activities, and that this has significant and potentially catastrophic implications for the future of our planet.

“Climate denialism refers to the rejection or downplaying of the scientific consensus on climate change. This can take many forms, such as disputing the evidence that the Earth is warming, denying that human activities are responsible for this warming or minimizing the potential consequences of climate change.

“It is important to address climate denialism because it can prevent us from taking the necessary actions to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The longer we delay in taking action, the greater the risks and costs will be in terms of environmental, social and economic impacts.

“Additionally, climate denialism can undermine the public's trust in science and scientific institutions, which are critical for developing evidence-based policies and solutions to the challenges we face as a society. It is therefore important to engage in open and honest dialogue based on the best available evidence and to promote a greater understanding of the science and its implications for our future.”

Kutney: “Thank you for your comments on climate denialism.”

ChatGPT: “You're welcome! As an AI language model, I'm programmed to provide information and insights on a wide range of topics, including climate change and its associated issues. Climate denialism is a topic that requires critical attention and accurate information to ensure that individuals and organizations make informed decisions that can positively impact our planet's future. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask!”

Gerald Kutney is a commentator on the news media and social media on the politics of the climate crisis. He has authored the books Carbon Politics and the Failure of the Kyoto Protocol and Climate Denial in American Politics: #ClimateBrawl.

He has a PhD in chemistry and is an elected Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. He was an adjunct professor at the University of Northern British Columbia and taught the graduate course Climate Change and Global Warming. Now living in Ottawa, he has presented several guest lectures at Carleton University on climate denial.