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Rhetoric, epistemology and climate change economics

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  • Poitras, Geoffrey

Abstract

This paper explores the epistemological basis for economic prognostications of climate change activists arising from, arguably, the most important scientific problem confronting modern society: the facts, beliefs and theories associated with the measurement, causes, impact and mitigation of climate change. This facilitates identification of the role that rhetoric plays in activist claims associated with the economics of global warming and climate change. Following a rudimentary discussion of ancient views on rhetoric, the connection of rhetoric with anti-foundational epistemology and language is identified. Criteria for determining when language is rhetorical are specified. Exploiting this philosophical background, mitigation proposals of climate change activists derived from models of climate change economics are critiqued.

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  • Poitras, Geoffrey, 2021. "Rhetoric, epistemology and climate change economics," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:184:y:2021:i:c:s0921800921000434
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2021.106985
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Chenglong Wang & Chenyang Shuai & Xi Chen & Jingran Sun & Bu Zhao, 2025. "Linking local and global: Assessing water scarcity risk through nested trade networks," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(1), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Chen, Fu & Zhang, Wanyue & Chen, Run & Jiang, Feifei & Ma, Jing & Zhu, Xinhua, 2024. "Adapting carbon neutrality: Tailoring advanced emission strategies for developing countries," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 361(C).
    4. Junichi Hirose & Koji Kotani & Yoshinori Nakagawa, 2021. "Is Climate Change Induced by Humans? The Impact of the Gap in Perceptions on Cooperation," Economics of Disasters and Climate Change, Springer, vol. 5(3), pages 391-413, October.
    5. Cardao-Pito, Tiago, 2025. "The end of capitalism as a concept: Towards a new political economy for understanding monetary societies in the biosphere," Innovation and Green Development, Elsevier, vol. 4(1).

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