Citizens' Climate Lobby

By the 1990s, momentum for climate action was growing, but so was opposition. In Episode 4 of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, host Peterson Toscano examines how fossil fuel interests, economic priorities, and cultural shifts began to unravel bipartisan efforts. Featuring insights from Chelsea Henderson and Katie Zakrzewski, this episode dives into the psychological and cultural barriers that fueled climate skepticism, the emergence of echo chambers, and the rise of polarization. Despite these challenges, the episode highlights leaders like Senator John McCain, whose bipartisan efforts provided hope for climate solutions. Key Topics: The cultural and psychological roots of climate skepticism in the 1990s. How values of individualism and economic freedom clashed with environmental regulation. The role of cognitive dissonance and echo chambers in shaping public opinion. The rise of Senator John McCain as a climate advocate. Insights into the McCain-Lieberman Climate Change Bill of 2