Merchants Of Doubt

Although I'm not sure how widely available it is, "Merchants Of Doubt" - a documentary about how climate change denial is funded in the U.S. - is a film begging to be seen. When you locate it, be prepared for the sober, if vitally important, central message.

The movie expertly depicts the way special interests trying to delay meaningful political action around climate change are using the tobacco industry playbook. Those highly effective techniques - like paying a few rogue "scientists" to obfuscate and ensuring their mercenary views are endlessly repeated on talk radio - are identical to what cigarette companies did to delay government action on products they knew were lethal. Meanwhile, big energy is exploiting the very same climate change they deny is happening. To cite just one egregious example used in the film, Exxon is counting on melting polar ice to facilitate future exploration for oil.

We were the first country to put a man on the moon. Imagine how well we could lead the world if we put resources behind this critical issue. Instead, we're the only country in the world denying there is an issue as real scientists and concerned people are forced to devote energy fighting well funded merchants of doubt.