Feigning Environmentalism: Antienvironmental Organizations, Strategic Naming, and Definitional Argument

Abstract

Global warming poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of future generations. Although there is a consensus of qualified climate scientists who believe that scientific evidence supports Anthropogenic Climate Change theories, this has not translated into public understanding of or trust in these theories. In this essay, I argue that antienvironmental think tanks with strong industrial ties are a major factor undercutting public perception of climate science. In particular, antienvironmental think tanks hide their industrial ties by naming themselves as “green” and defining their views as mainstream. Based on a tradition of scholarship devoted to the importance of naming and definition, I argue that environmental advocates must call into question the validity of names and definitions in order to reshape public perception of climate science and overcome disbelief in Anthropogenic Climate Change theories.

Keywords:

• Climate Discourse
• Environmental Communication
• Rhetorical Science

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Gary Bricker, Donn Parson and Robert Rowland for their help with the article.

Notes

The term “antienvironmental” is chosen to acknowledge the environmental implications of the beliefs held by these organizations. It is not meant to imply a hatred for the environment.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brett Jacob Bricker

Brett Jacob Bricker (PhD, University of Kansas) is a Specialist in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Kansas.