Climate Change Denial in Canada: An Evaluation of the Fraser Institute and Friends of Science Positions by Aldous Sperl A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Geography Carleton University Ottawa, ON ©2013 Aldous Sperl Library and Archives Bibliotheque et Canada Archives Canada Published Heritage Direction du 1+1 Branch Patrimoine de I'edition 395 Wellington Street 395, rue Wellington Ottawa ON K1A0N4 Ottawa ON K1A 0N4 Canada Canada Your file Votre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-94577-3 Our file Notre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-94577-3 NOTICE: AVIS: The author has granted a non­ L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive exclusive license allowing Library and permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives Archives Canada to reproduce, Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public communicate to the public by par telecommunication ou par I'lnternet, preter, telecommunication or on the Internet, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans le loan, distrbute and sell theses monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, sur worldwide, for commercial or non­ support microforme, papier, electronique et/ou commercial purposes, in microform, autres formats. paper, electronic and/or any other formats. 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Canada Abstract Anthropogenic climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our civilization, yet collective action is being hindered by the existence and promotion of a climate denial discourse. This research uses discourse analysis to critically examine the climate-related online web-output of two prominent climate change denial organizations found in Canada: the Friends of Science and the Fraser Institute. Rooted in the climate denial literature, and drawing on the framework of Argumentative Discourse Analysis, this research demonstrates the existence of a 'discourse- coalition' working to counteract the creation of meaningful climate policy in Canada over the last decade. The findings of this analysis support previous conclusions about the nature and purpose of the climate denial industry, thus showing that the general denial discourse is highly resilient over time and space. It is further argued that that climate denial in Canada is part of a wider philosophical struggle linked to the modern conservative movement defending the Dominant Social Paradigm. Acknowledgements This work has been both a struggle and an incredible journey of self-development. I am pleased to say that, looking back at it, I have both learned about the subject under study and, perhaps more importantly, have learned something about myself. Indeed, this journey has sparked new questions in how I wish to live my life and what path I should follow. For this new and unexpected perspective I am incredibly grateful. However, this thesis would never have been achievable without the support of my supervisor Mike Brklacich. His constant patience and encouragement despite my changing ideas, life priorities, nagging doubts, and confusion during the process has been a blessing. I have also greatly appreciated the 'hands-off approach he has taken in allowing me to make this my own thesis while still providing constructive support. Second I'd like to give a truly heartfelt thank you to Chris Russill, for agreeing to be my advisor and for providing excellent feedback, encouragement, and for being a part of the thesis from the beginning. The expertise and support of my committee members (Mike and Chris) has proved invaluable and without them I cannot imagine this project coming to fruition. I'd also like to acknowledge my friends and family for the support they have provided. Most importantly I'd like to thank Gen for her encouragement, understanding, and patience with me during this time. I'd also like to thank Taylor, Jacquie, and Jon for planting the idea of doing a Master's degree in the first place in my mind. Last, I'd like to thank my family for their words of wisdom that have often guided me through the frustrations and tests of endurance that I have experienced while working on this project. iii Table of Contents Abstract .................................................................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgements.............................................................................................................................................. iii List of Tables..........................................................................................................................................................vi List of Figures....................................................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1 - Introduction and Thesis Overview...................................................................................................1 1.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Research Question & Significance:............................................................................................................ 5 1.3 Thesis Overview..........................................................................................................................................6 Chapter 2 - Setting the Stage: Climate Change and Discourse Analysis.......................................................... 8 2.1 The Evolution of Climate Science.............................................................................................................. 8 2.2 Public Opinion and Climate Change ........................................................................................................15 2.3 Climate Change Denial.............................................................................................................................21 2.4 Justifying the Research Agenda............................................................................................................... 40 2.5 Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................42 Chapter 3 - Theoretical and Research Frameworks........................................................................................43 3.1 Poststructuralism ..................................................................................................................................... 43 3.2 Types of Discourse.................................................................................................................................... 44 3.3 Positionality and Reflexivity.................................................................................................................... 49 3.4 The Approach - Defining Discourse and Explaining the Analytical Framework..................................53 3.5 Methodology and Methods.....................................................................................................................57 3.6 The Data Set..............................................................................................................................................70 3.6 Concluding Thoughts................................................................................................................................76 Chapter 4 -Analysing Climate Change Denial in Canada: FOSand FI Positions ........................................... 78 4.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................................................78 4.1 Analysis Results for FOS Texts................................................................................................................. 84 4.2 Analysis Results for Fraser Institute texts............................................................................................ 102 4.3 Conclusion...............................................................................................................................................120 Chapter 5 - Discussion.......................................................................................................................................121 5.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................................121 5.2 The Production of Texts in Recent History..........................................................................................