The Parrot and the Igloo

Climate and the Science of Denial

By: David Lipsky

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

Length: 18 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1956, the New York Times prophesied that once global warming really kicked in, we could see parrots in the Antarctic. In 2010, when science deniers had control of the climate story, Senator James Inhofe and his family built an igloo on the Washington Mall and plunked a sign on top: AL GORE'S NEW HOME: HONK IF YOU LOVE CLIMATE CHANGE. In The Parrot and the Igloo, bestselling author David Lipsky tells the astonishing story of how we moved from one extreme (the correct one) to the other.

The story begins with a tale of three inventors—Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, and Nikola Tesla—who made our technological world, not knowing what they had set into motion. Then there are the scientists who sounded the alarm once they identified carbon dioxide as the culprit of our warming planet. And we meet the hucksters, zealots, and crackpots who lied about that science and misled the public in ever more outrageous ways. Lipsky masterfully traces the evolution of climate denial, exposing how it grew out of early efforts to build a network of untruth about products like aspirin and cigarettes.

Featuring an indelible cast of heroes and villains, mavericks and swindlers, The Parrot and the Igloo delivers a real-life tragicomedy—one that captures the extraordinary dance of science, money, and the American character.

©2023 David Lipsky (P)2023 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Great info, but overly drawn out

Loved the arc of the book and appreciated the depth of research. Found myself eager for it to be over as it is several hours linger than necessary to convey the information

Climate Science

An excellent account of climate denial and the myriad of characters that have led us to our current crisis. Well told with fun and interesting insights.

Incredibly Well Researched and well written

As an expert in undue influence, this book connected a lot of dots for me at the deliberate disinformation campaigns waged using co-opted scientists as well as corrupt politicians and media spokespeople. I have been well acquainted with Frank Luntz who, in my opinion, bears a huge responsibility for the climate disasters we are experiencing daily globally. Shame on him! Shame on Singer! Shame on the Moonies who were hugely influential for many decades promoting science denial about human climate change. We must do better. Watch Al Gore’s recent TED talk. How can the US government give subsidies to the oil industry? How can we allow chaos agents destroy faith in science? And experts? We need to end corruption by a recent wring of values- starting with planetary survival!

Depressing

Professional liars lying for money and fame have been part of the American fabric of public debate for a long time. It’s sad and an indictment of our selves. We get the government we deserve.

Depressing Reality

Fascinating historical research and account of how we got to the status quo of 2023. Most of the world has spent its time keeping sand firmly packed around its ostrich brains. I felt a kindred connection when Lipsky confessed he was an angry person while writing most of this book. Reading it should be an obligation but it is not a pleasant experience. The stupidity is gut wrenching. I feel the need to rush out in search of evidence that could restore my faith in humanity. Not sure that is even possible at this point. I’m afraid that nothing short of a global catastrophe will bring our heads out of the sand.

critically important topic - flawed delivery

While I learned a lot from this book, I think it would have made a better documentary. Storyline kept jumping around and the 3 parts had some repetition. It also needed some serious editing. While the trope-y language was mildly irritating, the several incorrect versions of what NOAA actually stands for was a deal breaker for me. The only reason it is not two stars is because the topic is so important.