Department or Program

Environmental Studies

Abstract

This thesis examines through a public writing perspective how the Trump administration is censoring climate science and climate-related terminology or work. It also explores what the implications of climate silencing are for American people and environments. In its first year and a half in power, the Trump administration has silenced and censored science through three methods: the censorship of climate language and federal web content, the defunding of federal climate science and climate mitigation research, and by leaving important science advisor and leadership positions open or by involuntarily reassigning climate-focused federal employees. These actions have numerous implications for American citizens, climate science, and the role that science plays in American democracy. These include the reduction of public access to and public benefit from years of taxpayer-funded science, the creation of confusion and misinformation around climate change and its impact, and the encouragement of denial of the scientific consensus on climate change. Further, the Trump administration’s actions impede the ability of citizens and governments to educate themselves and prepare for climate impacts, and hinders the creation and implementation of public-supported policy solutions.

Level of Access

Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access

First Advisor

Misty Beck

Date of Graduation

5-2018

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Number of Pages

82

Components of Thesis

1 pdf file

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