Exploded View Summer Came Early (2017)
In early 2023, a supposedly educational comic book was distributed at a convention for science teachers that took place in Atlanta. At first sight, Simon the Solar-Powered Cat looked like a helpful resource for educators, but a few pages into the comic, a “scientist” claims that what Simon needs, on top of a healthy diet, is carbon dioxide. Wait what?
The ludicrous comic was issued by the CO2 Coalition, an organization financially backed by dubious sponsors. And it wasn’t the coalition’s first ode to CO2. Once Upon a Time: A True Story About the Miracle Molecule—Carbon Dioxide was issued by the same publisher, who, according to its website, provides “world-class science for students and educators.”
The CO2 Coalition is a prime example of climate denial, a phenomenon currently gaining momentum and consisting of individuals or groups rejecting the scientific consensus that human activities substantially contribute to climate change. Climate denial can have severe consequences for public policy. It can delay or weaken efforts to adapt to climate change by fostering doubt and reducing political will to take action. This, in turn, can worsen the impact of climate change. Thus it is crucial to address the issue.
Exploded View, a band consisting of Berlin-based political-journalist-turned-musician Annika Henderson and Mexican producers Martin Thulin, Hugo Quezada and Amon Melgarejo did so with their bluesy “Summer Came Early”. It’s rather tongue-in-cheek, with Henderson singing alongside the band’s laid-back playing: “Summer sun came early that year. But we sat on our porches and we didn′t question a thing.”
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