A decade ago, when we ranked the most controversial articles on Wikipedia, George W. Bush topped the list, and global warming ranked fifth.
The article on global warming has now been relabeled climate change, but it remains one of the most divisive topics of our time, and one often discussed on social media.
Make no mistake: we are great fans of social media and arguably tweeted this article when you read it.
This may be attributable to the way that climate change is often portrayed primarily as a political issue: something one can choose whether one wants to support it; something that all will see as a political issue.
At a time when so much is unclear, we are sure of one thing: the significance of experts.
Social media can be regarded as a marketplace of ideas that offers an open forum to share facts and opinions and, importantly for academics, to educate the public about their research.
Our recent research, published in Climatic Change, demonstrated how tools such as computerised theme modeling and mood analysis can be used to monitor public discourse on such topics as climate change, nutrition, and climate politics.
Politicians and policymakers have long tended to avoid culturally controversial issues, and polarization of public opinion has been proven to weaken leaders “accountability when deciding big things.
Feels like the #IPCC scientists presenting the #SRCCL are in a difficult position where their data suggests that we should stop eating meat NOW but they have to choose their words carefully to not be accused of being "Alarmist" or, worse, "Vegan" at all cost. 🥦
— Jonas (@JonasRoothans) August 8, 2019
You don't care about climate & environmental impacts if you continue to be a part of the problem (aka being non-vegan).
Don't be a pretender, #BeVegan https://t.co/7FkF7LX0GA#climate #ClimateAction #ClimateEmergency #meat #beef #lamb #chicken #steak #bacon #Environment #vegan pic.twitter.com/teY1D07U01
— Johnny Be Vegan 🌱 (@TheTrueCompton) September 27, 2021
Just ordered a large sausage roll on room service.
A meat one.
Real meat.
The vegan resistance starts here. 👊— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 2, 2019
Eat MEAT in plenty.
These guys of 'meat is bad' and 'Plant-based diets' look malnourished and emaciated.
They look old and worn out.
Don't waste time on them.
Don't be sucked in their fear-mongering campaign.
Eat meat. Red. White. Eat meat.
Enjoy meat.#BetterTohether.
— Eric (@amerix) December 3, 2019
Aww PETA are attention seeking again. Funny how they’ve timed their new ads with meat shortages.
Well you know what? I’m going to the farmers market today and I’m gonna fill my freezer with meat.
Veganism sucks. Physically and mentally. Been there. I would know. https://t.co/bsQuBQSD7B
— bitchcoinmary (@BitchcoinMary) September 25, 2021
