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Michael Specter: What Happens When We Ignore Scientific Consensus? Michael Specter explores why some deny scientific evidence — such as the safety of vaccines and GMOs, or climate change. He says denying can provide a sense of control in an unsure world.

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Michael Specter: What Happens When We Ignore Scientific Consensus?

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Michael Specter: What Happens When We Ignore Scientific Consensus?

Michael Specter: What Happens When We Ignore Scientific Consensus?

Heard on TED Radio Hour

NPR/TED Staff

Michael Specter: What Happens When We Ignore Scientific Consensus?

Listen · 9:13
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/533786284/534000334" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Part 2 of the TED Radio Hour episode Truth And Lies.

About Michael Specter's TED Talk

Michael Specter explores why some deny scientific evidence — such as the safety of vaccines and GMOs, or climate change. He says denying can provide a sense of control in an unsure world.

About Michael Specter

Michael Specter is a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine, covering science and politics.

His book, Denialism: How Irrational Thinking Hinders Scientific Progress, Harms the Planet, and Threatens Our Lives, explores anti-science bias in American culture.

TED Radio HourTED Radio Hour

Life's biggest questions, explored.