U.S. senators cite Yale climate change research while calling for resolution

This week a group of U.S. senators highlighted the research of Yale sociologist Justin Farrell and others during discussion of a proposed resolution to condemn what they called a “web of denial” on issues including climate change.

Nineteen senators took part in the effort that began July 11. They lashed out at companies, trade associations, and foundations that they claim “developed a sophisticated and deceitful campaign” to deny scientific research relating to climate change. Other language in the resolution looked at issues such as the health effects of tobacco use and health risks related to lead products.

Farrell is an assistant professor of sociology at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Sociology. He has conducted extensive research on the influence of corporate funding on climate change skepticism and reporting. A 2015 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, for example, found that corporate funding influenced both the content and specific language used to encourage public skepticism of climate change.

In Washington, D.C., Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) cited Farrell’s research during discussion of the resolution.