While Joe Rogan’s podcast reaches millions of listeners worldwide, climate scientists are pushing back against what they call dangerous misinformation spread on his platform. Clips from Rogan’s show promoting the unsupported “Adam and Eve” conspiracy theory reached over 20 million TikTok views in early 2023. This theory incorrectly claims Earth’s climate changes are due to magnetic pole shifts rather than human activities.
Scientists who authored studies Rogan cited have spoken out, stating their research was misrepresented. They emphasize their work actually confirms modern warming is occurring at an unprecedented rate. A thorough study examining 485 million years of Earth’s temperature history shows today’s climate is changing faster than at any point during that entire period.
The researchers stress humans have only thrived during relatively cool periods, making current warming patterns highly abnormal and concerning. NASA has explicitly stated that past magnetic pole shifts did not correlate with doomsday events or mass extinctions. Despite TikTok policies against climate misinformation, watchdog groups note the platform continues to spread these inaccurate views.
Climate scientist Andrew Dessler from Texas A&M University engaged directly with Rogan in a two-hour podcast discussion. During their conversation, Dessler addressed causes of rising temperatures and refused to debate climate science’s legitimacy, stating it isn’t a “both sides” issue. The exchange was notable because Rogan’s audience, mainly younger males, represents a demographic that polls show wants climate action.
Scientists point out that carbon dioxide and methane levels now exceed natural variability observed over thousands of years. When Rogan described climate concerns as “fear mongering,” researchers countered that Earth’s historic hot periods occurred long before human civilization developed.
The scientific community continues to emphasize that current warming disrupts ecological systems and poses serious risks. Media outlets have clarified that research referenced on Rogan’s show actually highlights the urgent need to address climate change, not downplay it as suggested in podcast discussions. Scientists emphasize that transitioning to renewable energy sources could achieve over 90% of necessary carbon reductions needed to mitigate climate change. During an interview with Bernie Sanders, Rogan incorrectly suggested Earth is in a cooling period despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary.
