Naomi Oreskes, David Gelles and The Myth of Free Markets
Market fundamentalists argue that loosely regulated markets allow for the best economic outcomes. But Naomi Oreskes says that idea is built on a lie: “It's based on asking us to trust that these corporations will behave themselves, when in reality we have abundant evidence that they don't.” For decades, American industry, especially fossil fuel companies, have fought regulation to serve their short-term financial interests at the expense of our climate and environment.
Climate One · Climate One from The Commonwealth Club
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Show Notes
Many on the left say that the growing climate crisis is the inevitable result of unbridled capitalism – industries seeking profits above all else. In “The Big Myth,” Naomi Oreskes (who brought us “Merchants of Doubt”) points to a concerted effort from American business groups to propagate the myth that only markets free of government regulation can generate prosperity and protect political freedom.
“If we actually had appropriate regulations, appropriate rules of the road, we wouldn't be in this position of having to beg corporate leaders not to destroy the planet,” Oreskes says.
This myth has grown so pervasive that American citizens now put more faith in CEOs than in religious leaders, according to David Gelles, author of “The Man Who Broke Capitalism.” What should be done to change the narrative?
Guests:
Naomi Oreskes, Professor of the History of Science, Harvard
David Gelles, Reporter, The New York Times
Kate Khatib, Co-Director, Seed Commons
For show notes and related links, visit https://www.climateone.org/watch-and-listen/podcasts
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