According to Dr. Thomas White, one of the most puzzling features of the response to global climate change is the skepticism in the United States. Despite the fact that 97 percent of climate scientists agree that climate change is real and serious, a number of people express doubt. This stands in stark contrast to virtually every other country on the planet.

What is the cause of this skepticism? Looking at the situation through evolutionary and philosophical lenses, Dr. White will explore the possibility that the skepticism is the product of a central but potentially dangerous feature of American culture— “American exceptionalism.” Dr. White is the Founder and Executive Director of IBECC: The International Business Ethics Case Competition, and the Conrad N. Hilton Professor in Business Ethics Emeritus at Loyola Marymount University.