Joe Rogan’s Climate Misinformation Sparks Scientist Backlash
Popular podcaster Joe Rogan has come under fire from scientists for misrepresenting climate research to support his claims against global warming. Rogan, host of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” has repeatedly cited a graph published in the journal Science and reprinted by The Washington Post as purported evidence that “the temperature on Earth is plummeting.” However, the graph, which depicts Earth’s temperature fluctuations over 485 million years, actually demonstrates the opposite: while the planet has experienced warmer periods in the distant past, the current rate of warming is unprecedented in half a billion years.
Jessica Tierney, a co-author of the study that produced the graph, has called Rogan’s interpretation “dumb.” She clarifies that although Earth has been warmer in previous epochs, modern humans evolved in a cooler climate. The current rapid warming trend, she emphasizes, poses a significant threat to life on Earth. Tierney highlights the stark contrast between past warming events and the present situation: the “great dying,” a mass extinction event 251 million years ago, saw a 10°C temperature increase over 50,000 years. In contrast, the Earth’s temperature has already risen by 1.2°C in just 150 years since the Industrial Revolution, a rate over 300 times faster.
Daniel Lunt, another co-author of the study, reinforces Tierney’s point, explaining that the historical warming and cooling cycles Rogan refers to occurred over immensely long time scales, imperceptible within a human lifetime. The current rate of warming, however, is dramatically faster and readily observable. Experts like Rollie Williams, a climate science and policy expert, have criticized Rogan’s misinterpretation as a prime example of how climate misinformation infiltrates popular media and influences millions. Williams marvels at Rogan’s ability to be “so incorrect about an article he’s looking directly at.”
Rogan’s pronouncements on climate change extend beyond misinterpreting scientific graphs. He has also echoed the conspiracy theory that the “climate change emergency” is a financial scam orchestrated by green energy corporations, government agencies, and climate scientists. David Arkush, director of the climate program at Public Citizen, a progressive think tank, debunks this claim, pointing out that the global investment in climate action is equivalent to the two-week profit of a single major energy company like ExxonMobil. He argues that the real financial interests lie with the fossil fuel industry, who stand to lose the most from a transition to clean energy.
The concern surrounding Rogan’s misinformation stems from his immense reach. “The Joe Rogan Experience” boasts millions of followers across Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram, making it a major source of information for many, especially younger audiences. A Yale Climate Connections study found that nearly 40% of adults under 30 rely on social media influencers like Rogan for news. Alarmingly, the same study revealed that eight out of the top ten most popular online shows, predominantly right-leaning according to Media Matters, spread false or misleading information about climate change. Hosts like Rogan, along with Ben Shapiro and Russell Brand, contribute significantly to this propagation of climate denial and skepticism.
The scientific consensus, as affirmed by NASA and the United Nations, is unequivocal: the Earth has been warming at an unprecedented pace since the mid-1800s, driven by the increased use of fossil fuels and other human activities. The average global temperature has risen by approximately 1.2°C since the pre-industrial era, with some regions experiencing even more rapid warming. The study often miscited by Rogan confirms the dynamic nature of Earth’s climate over geological timescales, but crucially, it underscores that the current rate of warming is unparalleled. The rapid warming period responsible for the “great dying” triggered catastrophic events like acid rain and boiling oceans, serving as a stark warning for the present day. Tierney cautions that the current rate of human-induced warming exceeds anything known in Earth’s history, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. The ongoing debate highlights the critical need for accurate and responsible communication of climate science, especially in the face of influential figures spreading misinformation.