Who should we blame for the current war on science?

As we progress through the 21st century, the effects of climate change have become increasingly evident, with summer seasons in the global north marked by destructive flash floods, severe droughts, intense heat waves, uncontrollable wildfires, and escalating storms. These alarming changes align with predictions made by Exxon scientists back in the 1970s. In an unsettling twist, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services is now advising against utilizing one of the most effective methods to combat infectious diseases that have plagued humanity for centuries. Meanwhile, the rise of AI chatbots has contributed to a wave of misinformation that is being readily accepted by the public. Amid this turmoil, two prominent figures in the scientific community have joined forces to address these pressing issues. Climate scientist Michael E. Mann and vaccine developer Peter J. Hotez have co-authored a new book titled "Science Under Siege." The title reflects the grim realities they face in their quest to defend their disciplines. Michael Mann, known for creating the infamous hockey stick graph in 1998, which illustrated the alarming rise in global temperatures since the turn of the 20th century, has become a leading voice in climate science. On the other hand, Peter Hotez, a microbiologist and pediatrician at Baylor College of Medicine, spearheaded the development of an affordable, patent-free COVID-19 vaccine funded by public resources, benefiting millions in countries like India and Indonesia. Both Mann and Hotez never envisioned themselves as defenders of science, nor did they anticipate the necessity of such a role. However, facing backlash from Congress and receiving threats from those they aim to help, they have taken on the challenge. In their book, they intend to share their experiences and insights as scientists and communicators in a world fraught with misinformation, ultimately calling for collective action to safeguard the future of science.