Climate of Misinformation: How did weather get politicized?

Disinformation around elections leading to threats of violence directed at poll workers and local election officials has become commom. But with Hurricanes Milton and Helene hitting swing states ahead of the presidential election, the conditions were right for a flood of lies on social media and even from elected officials. 

This begs the question how did we get to the point where even the weather and disaster response has become politicized and how can we get out of this? 

A research scientist who has studied what makes people susceptible to misinformation around climate change, a journalist covering climate politics, and a climate scientist weigh in on the conspiracy theories surrounding weather. 

GUESTS

Zoya Teirstein 
Reporter Covering Climate Politics, Grist 

Chris Gloninger
Climate Scientist at Woods Hole Group
Former TV Meteorologist for 20 years 

Megan Imundo, PhD 
Research Scientist, Arizona State University