Getting paid to distort science

Union of Concerned Scientists Nicotine isn't addictive. Smoking doesn't cause cancer. Climate change isn't real. Sound familiar? These are some of Big Oil and Big Tobacco's favorite myths. No one spreads misinformation like these guys, but did you know they do it through the same front group? The Heartland Institute—one of the most vocal anti-science organizations in America—has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars from dirty energy1 AND tobacco giants like Philip Morris.2 Thanks to you, UCS is fighting back—refuting false claims made by Heartland and others. We're getting scientists to testify on Capitol Hill, meet with state and local lawmakers, and make sure the media hears what the science really says. As a supporter of UCS, I know you respect facts. And as we secure victory after victory, we're proving that getting the facts in front of people works It's like a bad case of déjà vu. In the 1990s, Philip Morris paid the Heartland Institute to raise doubts about the dangers of second-hand smoke by publishing deceptive "policy studies" that echoed the company's own harmful misinformation.3 These days, Heartland is leading the charge against climate science—from sowing confusion and doubt with its reports to resorting to billboards equating climate scientists with Osama Bin Laden and the Unabomber.4 It took decades to expose Big Tobacco's lies, but we're exposing climate deniers' misinformation now—and UCS members power the charge to set the record straight. When you commit to the fight and take advantage of our special matching gift offer today, you'll help: Defend scientists under attack from politicians, pundits, and corporate-backed "experts" who distort their work. Our Science in an Age of Scrutiny guide teaches scientists how to clearly communicate their work to the public and respond to attacks. Promote independent research by helping us publish cutting-edge reports and hold webinars and public meetings where scientists can connect with decision makers—to make sure science is at the center of the conversations we're having about improving our communities. Empower the scientific community and amplify their voice through our Science Network, made up of over 20,000 scientists, researchers, and experts across numerous fields. Our experts contact lawmakers, inform public policies that advance clean energy, clean vehicles, and sustainable agriculture, and are featured in major news outlets across the country—often responding to false claims from Heartland "experts" and others.

-- 
"When crazy people call you crazy, you know you're sane. 

When evil people call you evil, you know that you are a good person. 

When lairs call you a liar, you know that you are truthful. 

Know who you are and don't let others tell you who you are." - Dave Kitchen