Science Under Siege: how to fight the five most powerful forces that threaten our world

Two of the world's most respected scientists reveal the forces behind the dangerous anti-science movement - and show us how to fight back. From pandemics to the climate crisis, humanity faces tougher challenges than ever. Whether it's the health of our people or the health of our planet, we know we are on an unsustainable path. But our efforts to effectively tackle these existential crises are now hampered by a common threat- politically and ideologically motivated opposition to science. Michael Mann and Peter Hotez are two of the most respected and well-known scientists in the world and have spent the last twenty years on the front lines of the battle to convey accurate, reliable, and trustworthy information about science in the face of determined and nihilistic opposition. In this powerful manifesto, they reveal the five main forces threatening science- plutocrats, pros, petrostates, phonies, and the press. It is a call to arms and a road map for dismantling the forces of anti-science. Armed with the information in this book, we can be empowered to promote scientific truths, shine light on channels of dark money, dismantle the corporations poisoning the planet, and ultimately avert disaster. 'In Science Under Siege, co-authors Michael Mann and Peter Hotez, leading researchers and advocates in their respective fields of environmental science and immunology, warn that science itself, as a credible and trusted method of establishing truth, is in crisis ... This important book does more than simply enumerate and excoriate the forces railing against science and scientists, but offers hope for civilised solutions, from gentle persuasion and rational debate to being heard in the media and at the ballot box.' -Pat Sheil, The Sydney Morning Herald 'An important contribution to the current debate about the role of science in political discourse.' -Financial Times, 'Best Books of 2025' 'For anyone who cares about ensuring that science, facts, and truth reach the public and influence decision makers to benefit society at large, Science Under Siege offers a sold frame for understanding the forces that scientists are up against and the challenges at hand. -Bill McKibben, author of Here Comes the Sun

About the Author :
Michael E. Mann (Author) Michael E. Mann is presidential distinguished professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania, and is director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media. He contributed to the award of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize and was elected to the US National Academy of Sciences in 2020. Peter J. Hotez (Author) Peter J. Hotez is dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of pediatrics and molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, where he is also the codirector of the Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development. He is an elected member of the US National Academy of Medicine, and in 2022 was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the Covid-19 vaccine.