Bogus Climate Textbook Sent to US Science Teachers Sparks Outrage

In an effort to spread Climate change denial and misinformation, a think tank known for these tactics has mailed thousands of copies of a pseudoscience textbook titled “Climate at a Glance for Teachers and Students” to schools across the US. The book claims to offer the latest data and research to disprove the existence of a climate crisis. However, a comprehensive fact-check conducted by AFP and several scientists exposed the book as riddled with misleading claims.

Susan Joy Hassol, director of the non-profit Climate Communications, called the book “full of disinformation” and expressed outrage that it had been sent to over 8,000 US middle and high schools. This move follows the Heartland Institute’s 2017 campaign, in which they sent hundreds of thousands of booklets to American teachers. A fact-check by Climate Feedback deemed the booklet’s Climate change science to be extremely poor.

Glenn Branch, deputy director of the National Center for Science Education, suggests the latest campaign demonstrates that the strategy is failing. Branch notes that teaching Climate change is now part of state science standards, making teachers more knowledgeable and less vulnerable to such propaganda. Hassol agrees, adding that the majority of teachers are not fooled by the misinformation and promptly discard the materials.

Thankfully, teacher confidence in teaching about Climate change is on the rise, diminishing the impact of disinformation campaigns. With Climate change impacts becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, the tactics of denialists have shifted from outright denial to obfuscation and delay.

The Heartland Institute, founded in 1984, has received significant funding from the fossil fuel industry and its allies, including ExxonMobil. As the public becomes more aware of the climate crisis, it’s essential to stand against misinformation and Support accurate, science-based education.

Take action by advocating for strong climate change education and supporting organizations that work to counter climate misinformation. Your voice matters in the fight against Climate change denial and the promotion of a sustainable future for all.

Make Some Noise Sweatshirt by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

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• Home Insurers Are Abandoning Vulnerable Communities Due to the Impact of Climate Change
• Heartland Institute Sends 8,000 Middle and High School Teachers Book That Denies Climate Change
• Polar Bears Disappearing From Canadian Arctic Due to Climate Change

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