Catastrophe and the danger posed by climate conspiracy theories: controlling the weather to mining in North Carolina

More and more major events in the United States, such as natural disasters, are becoming breeding grounds for conspiracy theories. Often rooted in fear and distrust, these ideas can spread widely and rapidly through the Internet. For instance, the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has proven to be a source of many theories. These range from those that center on Democrats controlling the weather to intentionally destroying areas to open them up for lithium mining. When the country’s leaders espouse them, they are lent credibility and legitimacy, allowing them to spread even further. Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has doubled on her claim that “they,” meaning scientists or her political rivals, control the weather. The Congresswoman’s defenders have conflated her claims with the practice of geoengineering, like cloud seeding. Yes they can control the weather.It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done.— Marjorie Taylor Greene ???????? (@mtgreenee) October 4, 2...