The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

chevron_right

312. The Great Climate Con | Alex Epstein

whatshot 139 snips

Dec 8, 2022

Guest

Alex Epstein

In this episode, philosopher and energy expert Alex Epstein argues for the critical role of fossil fuels in human progress. He challenges the nihilistic views of radical environmentalism, suggesting that prioritizing human flourishing is essential in climate discussions. Epstein critiques European energy policies for worsening poverty and emphasizes the positive impacts of human activity on the environment. He also highlights the surprising greening of the planet, advocating for a balanced approach that recognizes both ecological health and the moral complexity of energy use.

01:34:55

forum

Ask episode

web_stories

AI Snips

view_agenda

Chapters

menu_book

Books

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Climate Change Denial Propaganda

The "climate change denier" label is propagandistic, falsely equating climate skepticism with Holocaust denial.
This tactic grants unearned moral virtue to environmentalists while demonizing opponents.

insights

INSIGHT

The Moral Monopoly of Environmentalism

The modern environmental movement has gained moral high ground by owning the "care for the planet" narrative.
This creates a false dichotomy: either be a climate change believer or a denier, ignoring nuanced perspectives.

insights

INSIGHT

Easy Moral Virtue

Expressing environmental sentiment offers an easy shortcut to perceived moral virtue without actual effort or understanding.
This shallow narcissism avoids the difficult work of genuine moral action and critical thinking.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Debating Human Flourishing and Climate Metrics

04:20 • 5min

chevron_right

Debunking Energy Policy Myths

09:21 • 7min

chevron_right

Confronting the Anti-Human Narrative in Environmentalism

16:33 • 6min

chevron_right

The Clash Between Environmentalism and Capitalism

22:20 • 6min

chevron_right

Understanding Poverty Alleviation and Misconceptions About Fossil Fuels

27:50 • 4min

chevron_right

Reevaluating Human Impact on the Environment

32:15 • 15min

chevron_right

Fossil Fuels and Moral Complexities

47:03 • 30min

chevron_right

Rethinking Humanity's Role in Nature

01:17:20 • 13min

chevron_right

Reevaluating Humanity's Role in Environmental Stewardship

01:30:03 • 3min

chevron_right

#5621

• Mentioned in 9 episodes

The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels

Alexander Joseph Epstein

In this book, Alex Epstein presents a case for the moral justification of using fossil fuels, arguing that they are essential for human progress and well-being. Epstein challenges the prevailing views on climate change and energy policy, suggesting that the benefits of fossil fuels, such as providing low-cost and reliable energy, outweigh their negative impacts. He advocates for a 'human flourishing' framework, emphasizing the role of fossil fuels in reducing global poverty and improving living standards.

#27423

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

The New Left

The Anti-Industrial Revolution

Ayn Rand

In this collection of essays, Ayn Rand critiques the New Left, viewing its ideology as a form of irrational collectivism that undermines industrial progress and rational society. The book argues that the New Left's emphasis on feelings over reason and its rejection of industrial achievements are harmful to societal advancement. Originally published in 1971, it was later expanded and re-titled *Return of the Primitive: The Anti-Industrial Revolution* in 1999.

#2750

• Mentioned in 17 episodes

The end of nature

Bill McKibben

Bill McKibben's "The End of Nature" is a seminal work in environmental literature, published in 1989. The book explores the profound impact of human activity on the Earth's climate and ecosystems. McKibben argues that human-induced climate change has fundamentally altered the natural world, marking the end of an era where nature existed independently of human influence. The book's impact lies in its powerful articulation of the urgency of the climate crisis and its call for collective action. It remains a significant text in the environmental movement, influencing subsequent discussions and activism on climate change.

#232

• Mentioned in 102 episodes

The Population Bomb

Anne H. Ehrlich

Paul Ehrlich

Published in 1968, 'The Population Bomb' by Paul and Anne Ehrlich predicts catastrophic consequences, including mass starvation and environmental ruin, due to unchecked population growth. The book argues that immediate action is necessary to control population growth to prevent these dire outcomes. Although many of the Ehrlichs' predictions did not come to pass, the book significantly raised awareness about population and environmental issues and influenced public policy in the 1960s and 1970s. The authors emphasize the need for conscious regulation of human numbers and highlight the strain that growing populations place on the natural world.

#2434

• Mentioned in 19 episodes

Fossil Futures

Alex Epstein

Alex Epstein's "Fossil Fuels" delves into the crucial role of fossil fuels in human civilization. Epstein challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding climate change, arguing that fossil fuels have been instrumental in improving living standards and reducing poverty globally. He emphasizes the importance of energy abundance and its impact on various aspects of society, from economic growth to technological advancements. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of energy production and consumption, advocating for a balanced approach that considers both environmental concerns and the benefits of fossil fuels. Epstein's work has sparked significant debate and discussion within the energy sector and beyond.

Dr. Peterson's extensive catalog is available now on DailyWire+: https://utm.io/ueSXh

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson and Alex Epstein discuss the undeniable need for fossil fuels, the toxic underlying nihilism of the “climate concerned” left, the need for balance between conservation and human progress, and the unexplored worth of wild potential.

Alex Epstein is a philosopher and energy expert who argues that "human flourishing" should be the guiding principle of energy and environmental progress. He is the author of the new bestselling book Fossil Future: Why Global Human Flourishing Requires More Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas—Not Less. He is also the creator of EnergyTalkingPoints.com—a source of powerful, well-referenced talking points on energy, environmental, and climate issues.

- Sponsors -

Birch Gold: Text "JORDAN" to 989898 for a FREE Goldback with every $5000 purchase, when you convert an existing IRA or 401k into a precious metals IRA with Birch Gold by December 22nd.

Masterworks: Invest in art today with Masterworks at http://masterworks.art/jbp.

See important disclosures at https://masterworks.com/cd.

Black Rifle Coffee:

Get 10% off your first order or Coffee Club subscription with code JORDAN: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/

- Chapters -

(0:00) coming up

(1:28) Intro

(3:36) Fossil Future

(6:17) The metric for success

(12:28) Nature viewed as a god, Fusion

(16:49) Hostility toward impact

(21:33) How the climate cult evolved

(24:09) What drives the anti-capitalist ethos?

(30:30) The planet has gotten 15 percent greener

(33:20) Conceptions of Earth

(35:24) The world without humanity

(38:48) The underlying Nihilism

(43:00) Worth of man to the Left

(45:14) The toxicity of modern environmentalism

(50:35) Moral monopoly, Bjørn Lomborg

(59:35) Climate Denier, propaganda

(1:05:00) 50+ years, a complete failure as a movement

(1:07:20) Keeping the third world poor

(1:12:10) Actual concern for the poor

(1:15:00) Climate Reparations

(1:16:30) Moral Aesthetics

(1:20:10) Importance of conservation

(1:23:30) Existential guilt, sufficient value

(1:28:03) Delicate nurture dogma, wild potential

// SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL //

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/jordanbpeterson.com/youtubesignup

Donations: https://jordanbpeterson.com/donate

// COURSES //

Discovering Personality: https://jordanbpeterson.com/personality

Self Authoring Suite: https://selfauthoring.com

Understand Myself (personality test): https://understandmyself.com

// BOOKS //

Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life: https://jordanbpeterson.com/Beyond-Order

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos: https://jordanbpeterson.com/12-rules-for-life

Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief: https://jordanbpeterson.com/maps-of-meaning

// LINKS //

Website: https://jordanbpeterson.com

Events: https://jordanbpeterson.com/events

Blog: https://jordanbpeterson.com/blog

Podcast: https://jordanbpeterson.com/podcast

// SOCIAL //

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jordanbpeterson

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jordan.b.peterson

Facebook: https://facebook.com/drjordanpeterson

Telegram: https://t.me/DrJordanPeterson

All socials: https://linktr.ee/drjordanbpeterson

#JordanPeterson #JordanBPeterson #DrJordanPeterson #DrJordanBPeterson #DailyWirePlus

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Home Top podcasts Popular guests Top books