When the Associated Press released its survey of climate scientists—virtually all of whom said “An Inconvenient Truth” faithfully portrayed climate science—an aide to skeptical Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) released a press release headlined “AP Incorrectly Claims Scientists Praise Gore's Movie.” Jim Motavalli—editor of “E/the Environmental Magazine”—dug into this exercise in disinformation to sort it all out.
Democracy is utterly dependent upon an electorate that is accurately informed. In promoting climate change denial (and often denying their responsibility for doing so) industry has done more than endanger the environment. It has undermined democracy.
There is a vast difference between putting forth a point of view, honestly held, and intentionally sowing the seeds of confusion. Free speech does not include the right to deceive. Deception is not a point of view. And the right to disagree does not include a right to intentionally subvert the public awareness.