Abstract

This chapter discusses different interpretations of the denial of science consensus, with a focus on climate science denialism. It investigates whether, in addition to elite manipulation of public opinion, the system justification, personality, and identity-protective cognition approaches to understanding science denial may all have a role to play in understanding the phenomenon. Asymmetry Theory says that there are facts about political conservatives in particular that might make them more susceptible to ideological denialism. Arguments for and against this thesis are examined. The conclusion is that it is the nature of the topic of climate change—and potential solutions—that instigates denial in some groups more than others.