Dark Money...

Image Credit: Metro Times

The largest, most-consistent money fueling the climate denial movement are a number of well-funded conservative foundations built with so-called "dark money," or concealed donations, according to an analysis released Friday afternoon.

The study, by Drexel University environmental sociologist Robert Brulle, is the first academic effort to probe the organizational underpinnings and funding behind the climate denial movement.

It found that the amount of money flowing through third-party, pass-through foundations like DonorsTrust and Donors Capital, whose funding cannot be traced, has risen dramatically over the past five years.

Matter of democracy

In the end, Brulle concluded public records identify only a fraction of the hundreds of millions of dollars supporting climate denial efforts. Some 75 percent of the income of those organizations, he said, comes via unidentifiable sources.

And for Brulle, that's a matter of democracy. "Without a free flow of accurate information, democratic politics and government accountability become impossible," he said. "Money amplifies certain voices above others and, in effect, gives them a megaphone in the public square."

If you're like me, it's frustrating to discuss climate change with coworkers. It's topped the list of things NOT to discuss: climate change, politics, religion, sensible gun control, [proper] science education. There seems to be no rational discussions one can have; there seems a dogma and talking points that people have memorized largely because simplicity is more attractive, and you cannot convince the made-up mind. Nuance is dicey and complicated; contemplation and understanding regarding a system as large as the planet is too vast for persons not versed in logic, mathematical modeling, the scientific method or syllogism is best left to the loudest, the shrillest; well-moneyed of voices among us. Sadly, many of them are talk-show radio heads with the collective education attainment of amoeba.

One problem: they have no "plan B" for the rest of us if the shrill (most likely)...are wrong.

"At the very least, American voters deserve to know who is behind these efforts."

Scientific American: "Dark Money" Funds Climate Change Denial Effort