The Playbook How to Deny Science, Sell Lies, and Make a Killing in the Corporate World

From an astute observer of business behavior and expert in climate denial comes a thought-provoking explanation of how corporations delay, distract, and deflect blame and spread disinformation surrounding health issues, pollution, and climate change.

“Brilliantly subversive and witty. If you want to be a vile, greedy capitalist, this how-to book will be a great help. And if you want to identify vile, greedy capitalists, it will show you how to recognize them. A landmark book.” —Brian Eno

Are you a corporation out to make your fortune at any cost? Are you worried about “facts” and “experts” getting in the way of your profits? Do you wish you could make scientists, journalists, and anyone who asks questions about your suspect business practices disappear? Now you can.
 
Whether you are selling tobacco, dealing in oil, or pushing pharmaceuticals, denying climate change or exploiting workers, The Playbook is here to help you obfuscate your way to what you want.

Including how to:   

Massage the statistics to suit your needs. Or, even better, fund studies to make up some new ones

Attract and cultivate university professors who have an axe to grind and are short of cash

Make your problem somebody else’s problem—ideally the government’s

Remember: Tame journalists, PR firms, think tanks, lawyers, and threats of physical violence are your friends!

 
Follow these rules and you are guaranteed to make a killing. It’s economic sense, after all.

JENNIFER JACQUET is an associate professor in the department of environmental studies and director of XE: Experimental Humanities & Social Engagement at New York University. The author of Is Shame Necessary?, she lives in New York City.
 
 

Executive Summary xv
 
1. Denial: A Fiduciary Duty 3
2. The Arsenal 25
3. Recruiting University Experts 43
4. Strategic Communication 69
5. Challenge the Problem 89
6. Challenge Causation 105
7. Challenge the Messenger 121
8. Challenge the Policy 137
9. Outside Opportunities 151
10. Near- Term Threats 161

Appendix 171
Glossary of Terms 177
Notes 183