✖



The BBC: Climate denial

An assessment of the BBC is that it generally reports accurately on the basic science of climate change, and on the interpretation that climate change is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels by mankind.

But in its programming choices, and in numerous references to climate change or fossil fuel use, the BBC is acting as if there is no need for urgent radical reductions in emissions.

The BBC is part of and contributing to the implicatory climate denial that exists throughout society.

Science information

An assessment of the BBC is that it generally reports accurately on the basic science of climate change, and on the interpretation that climate change is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels by mankind.

So if gives generally accurate reports on what the climate scientists and the IPCC are saying about the climate emergency, e.g. in this "Code red" report [1].

Denial of urgency of action

Despite generally accurate reporting of the climate science, the BBC fails to report on the implications of the science.

One example is that the BBC is continuing to make and promote programmes such as Top Gear as if there is no climate emergency.

A second example is portrayal of flying for leisure purposes as something to be approved of, e.g.

Comment

The BBC is part of and contributing to the problem of implicatory climate denial that exists throughout society - see document 147.


References

[1]BBC (2021) Climate change: IPCC report is 'code red for humanity' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-58130705 (accessed 9.2.2023)
[2]Radio 1's Mega Massive Mondays - Terms & Conditions https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/28vrQWP3zSx1Tt49SwsnmYr/radio-1s-mega-massive-mondays-terms-conditions


First published: 9 Feb 2023
Last updated: 9 Aug 2023