“I remained quiet about the climate disinformation campaign because I was afraid of losing friends and funding. The few times I summoned the courage to defend climate science from those who misrepresent it I suffered harsh consequences. And so I mostly stood by and did next to nothing as my fellow environmentalists terrified the public.”

American political activist and writer, born in Colorado

Michael D. Shellenberger is an American political activist and writer associated with ecomodernism. Born in Colorado, he earned degrees in peace and anthropology in the 1990s and later became known for his heterodox views. After founding public relations firms, he co-founded the ecomodernist think tank Breakthrough Institute in 2003. His writing and commentary have drawn criticism from scientists and others for errors in reporting, his stance on climate change, and what some have described as anti-green contrarianism.