Mr. Meuser’s Sept. 16 letter (“Reflecting on climate change denial“) is a compelling message of the power of examining our denials of important issues. Sometimes our self-images are tied to things that we’re told make us better or stronger, so giving up those things threatens what we stand for. We’ve seen this before.

For years the tobacco industry knew of the dangers of smoking but convinced the public through junk science, political action and misleading advertising that tobacco was blameless for the cancers and other illnesses that resulted. Cigarettes were our right to use and our responsibility. Freedom and personal choice – we all want that, right? Millions have died due to this deception.

The fossil fuel industry mimics the tobacco industry. They knew for decades that fossil fuel use was heating our planet, yet they deliberately misled the public, influenced politicians, and delayed changes that would’ve lessened fossil fuel impacts. Oil executives tell us we can’t turn away from oil and gas and a commitment to a green future unless we surrender our freedoms and our identities as Americans. They play on our desire to control who we are.

Mr. Meuser’s perspective challenges this illusion, suggesting that questioning our climate change denial can break the illusion cast by these charlatans.

Larry Lindquist
Rowley, Mass.