Highbrow Catastrophism as Misinformation

Elite academics and reputable media sometimes overstate climate risks in ways that misrepresent existing science. This 'highbrow' catastrophism can be indistinguishable in function from traditional denialist misinformation, and it undermines the credibility of enforcement proposals aimed at stopping falsehoods. — If policy makers pursue criminal or coercive responses to 'misinformation' while elites spread similar distortions, regulation will be politicized and public trust in institutions will fall.