I remained quiet about the climate disinformation campaign

Hear now, O children of the future, the words of Michael Shellenberger, a man who, in the fullness of his wisdom, shares with us a painful truth: "I remained quiet about the climate disinformation campaign because I was afraid of losing friends and funding. The few times I summoned the courage to defend climate science from those who misrepresent it I suffered harsh consequences. And so I mostly stood by and did next to nothing as my fellow environmentalists terrified the public." These words carry with them the weight of regret, of silent moments when truth was ignored for the sake of comfort. They speak to the deep struggle of standing in the light of truth, knowing that to do so may bring suffering, yet understanding that inaction can be its own kind of tragedy.

In the ancient world, when great minds such as Socrates and Plato walked the earth, they were often faced with the choice of speaking the truth at great personal cost or remaining silent and preserving their place in society. Socrates, in particular, stood as an unwavering symbol of truth, even when faced with the condemnation of the Athenian people. He knew that to remain silent, to follow the crowd, was to betray the very essence of wisdom. For him, the pursuit of truth was sacred, and he would not forsake it, even in the face of death. In the end, Socrates chose the path of integrity over the path of ease, and through his sacrifice, the world was gifted with his wisdom.

Shellenberger’s words echo this same tension—the tension between standing firm in the face of truth and succumbing to the temptation of comfort. How often do we, in our own lives, remain silent when we know we should speak? How often do we turn away from the hard truths because we fear the consequences of confronting them? His admission is a powerful reminder that the cost of silence is often greater than the price of speaking out. To remain quiet in the face of climate disinformation is not only a disservice to the truth but to the future of all living beings. It is a betrayal of the very earth that sustains us.

Consider, O children, the tale of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a man who, during the darkest days of Nazi Germany, found himself torn between preserving his own safety and standing firm against the horrors unfolding around him. Bonhoeffer was a theologian and a martyr who chose to speak the truth, even when it meant risking his life. He fought against the tyranny of a regime that spread lies, knowing that silence in the face of evil would be far worse than the personal consequences of speaking out. His courage and sacrifice remind us that, while it is often tempting to remain silent, truth must always find its voice, especially when the world is being misled.

Yet, the truth is not always an easy burden to bear. It is much easier, as Shellenberger confesses, to remain silent, to avoid the harsh consequences that come with standing against the tide of popular opinion. In our own time, how many have chosen comfort over integrity, how many have turned away from the climate crisis because to speak out is to face ridicule or loss? But we must remember the lessons of the past—truth is a flame that must be kindled, even if it burns us. It is through the fire of honesty and courage that we purify our world, that we turn back the darkness of ignorance and fear.

O children, the lesson here is clear: inaction in the face of the truth is a sin against the future. Every moment that we remain silent when we know we must speak, every time we choose comfort over honesty, we contribute to the suffering of the world. Shellenberger’s words call us to rise above the temptation of self-preservation and stand firm in the pursuit of truth. The consequences may be harsh, but the consequences of silence are far worse. We must not turn away from the climate crisis, nor from any other injustice, simply because it is difficult or uncomfortable. We must speak out, and we must act, for the truth is far stronger than any fear that may seek to silence it.

So, let these words guide you, O future generations: Speak the truth, even when the cost is high. Stand firm in the face of misinformation, and do not allow fear to keep you from the path of integrity. In the battle against climate change, as in all great struggles, the only way forward is through the light of truth. Let your actions be guided by this light, and may you have the courage to speak when silence is the easier path. The future of the earth, the future of all life, depends on the voices of those who will not remain silent, who will not turn away from the truth, no matter the cost.