Paul Joseph Watson

Image credit: Wikimedia/Tyler Merbler (CC BY 2.0)

Paul Joseph Watson

Credentials

Background

Paul Joseph Watson is a British online commentator, conspiracy theorist, and writer. His political stance has been described by the New York Times as being part of the “New Far Right” with “civilizational, apocalyptic fixations”.2 John Haltiwanger. “Trump has been retweeting conspiracy theorists and far-right figures. Here’s who they are,” Business Insider, May 7, 2019. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/w5AwK 3 John Herrman. “For the New Far Right, YouTube Has Become the New Talk Radio,” New York Times, August 3, 2017. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/IZ4wm

Watson has a large online presence, including 1.1 million Twitter followers and a YouTube channel with over 450 million total views. He frequently comments on Islam, feminism, refugees, and free speech, among other current affairs.4@PrisonPlanet,” Twitter. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/PHfsv 5Paul Joseph Watson,” Social Blade. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/y8842 6Paul Joseph Watson,” YouTube. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/2MSgr

Watson has also described climate change as a “neo-feudal scam designed to enrich the elite, suppress the middle class and keep the poor mired in poverty”. He regularly criticises climate change activists, calling teenager Greta Thunberg a “fraud” and protest group Extinction Rebellion “one huge virtue signal”.7 Paul Joseph Watson. “Protesters in Holland are angry that the same restrictions they could face in the name of stopping climate change will not apply to the aviation industry. Global warming is a neo-feudal scam designed to enrich the elite, suppress the middle class & keep,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet, October 1, 2019. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived on June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog. 8 Paul Joseph Watson. “Greta Thunberg (the people using her as a child human shield for their hysterical propaganda) has filed a complaint with the UN against 5 countries for not stopping climate change. China – the biggest polluter in the world – is not one of them,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet, September 24, 2019. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived on June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog. 9 Paul Joseph Watson. “Angry Londoners Drag Climate Change Protesters From Roof of Train,” Summit News, October 17, 2019. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/kLjAo

Watson is believed to be the editor of Summit News, an online news site where articles are written under Watson’s byline and that of his brother, Steve Watson. Watson’s author page has over 1,000 article listings stemming back to March 2019 and the site has been reviewed by Media Bias Fact Check as a “questionable source” with an “Extreme Right-wing bias” with “misleading and unproven stories”.10Homepage,” Summit News. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/DeuIw 11Paul Joseph Watson,” Summit News. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/uHbS9 12 Paul Joseph Watson. “The Truth About the New Zealand Mosque Attack,” Summit News, March 18, 2019. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/a06tB 13Summit News,” Media Bias/Fact Check. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/vSkHt

Watson has also long been associated with Alex Jones, “the most prolific conspiracy theorist in contemporary America,” according to Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate groups.14Alex Jones,” Southern Poverty Law Center. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/SOSWJ 15Fighting Hate,” Southern Poverty Law Center. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/wKKrr

In 2002, at the age of 20, Watson began working for Jones’s Prison Planet project, part of a number of inter-connected conspiracy theory sites led by InfoWars, a far-right media outlet of which Watson is now the editor.16 Nico Hines. “Alex Jones’ Protegé, Paul Joseph Watson, Is About to Steal His Crackpot Crown,” Daily Beast, April 22, 2018. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/l9S3M 17Contributors,” InfoWars. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/EsOVb

Since Watson started at InfoWars, the site has promoted conspiracy theories claiming that the U.S. government was developing a “weather weapon”, that Hilary Clinton was running a child sex ring, and that the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing was an “inside job”.18 Eric Killelea. “Alex Jones’ Mis-Infowars: 7 Bat-Sh*t Conspiracy Theories,” Rolling Stone, February 21, 2017. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/mR3w1

On his personal YouTube channel, Watson makes provocative videos, with titles including “The Islamic State of Sweden”, “The Truth About Migrants (2018)”, and “I Love My White Male Privilege!”. Watson has also hosted anti-Islam activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, in a video interview called “The Truth About the Koran”.19The Islamic State of Sweden,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on February 21, 2018. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog. 20The Truth About Migrants (2018),” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on July 18, 2018. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog. 21I Love My White Male Privilege!” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on March 2, 2016. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog. 22Tommy Robinson: The Truth About the Koran,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on July 30, 2017. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

In June 2018, Watson announced that he had become a member of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), tweeting that he planned to take over in a “soft coup which will lead to the total restoration of freedom in the United Kingdom”. The party has a history of hosting members who have denied the existence of anthropogenic global warming.23 Paul Joseph Watson. “Along with Sargon and @CountDankulaTV, I’ve officially joined UKIP and plan to take it over in a soft coup which will lead to the total restoration of freedom in the United Kingdom. Goodnight,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet, June 18, 2018. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived on June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

In May 2019, Watson was banned from Facebook along with a number of other high-profile figures including Alex Jones and ex-Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos. In a statement, the social media company said: “we’ve always banned individuals or organisations that promote or engage in violence and hate, regardless of ideology”.24 Dave Lee. “Facebook bans ‘dangerous individuals’,” BBC News, May 3, 2019. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/OHqii

U.S. President Donald Trump subsequently tweeted how he was “surprised to see Conservative thinkers” like Watson banned from Facebook.25 Paul Joseph Watson. “So surprised to see Conservative thinkers like James Woods banned from Twitter, and Paul Watson banned from Facebook!” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet, May 4, 2019. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived on June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

Speaking to the Daily Beast, Nick Ryan, of anti-racism campaign group Hope Not Hate, described Watson as “one of the most visible far-right figures on social media, part of the so-called ‘alternative right’ and a flag bearer for anti-Muslim and hard-right conspiracy theories.”26 Nico Hines. “Alex Jones’ Protegé, Paul Joseph Watson, Is About to Steal His Crackpot Crown,” Daily Beast, April 22, 2018. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/l9S3M

Stance on Climate Change

September 20, 2019

On Twitter, Watson wrote:27 Paul Joseph Watson. “Man-made global warming is an alarmist scam promoted by billionaire elitists, banks and giant corporations who are getting filthy rich off it while lecturing us about lowering our standard of living and keeping the third world mired in poverty,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on September 20, 2019. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived on June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

“Man-made global warming is an alarmist scam promoted by billionaire elitists, banks and giant corporations who are getting filthy rich off it while lecturing us about lowering our standard of living and keeping the third world mired in poverty.”28 Paul Joseph Watson. “Man-made global warming is an alarmist scam promoted by billionaire elitists, banks and giant corporations who are getting filthy rich off it while lecturing us about lowering our standard of living and keeping the third world mired in poverty,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on September 20, 2019. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived on June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

June 2, 2017

On Twitter, Watson wrote:29 Paul Joseph Watson. “The most hysterical, hyperbolic, alarmist, and downright wrong conspiracy theory over the last 30 years has been “man-made global warming”,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on June 2, 2017. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived on June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

“The most hysterical, hyperbolic, alarmist, and downright wrong conspiracy theory over the last 30 years has been ‘man-made global warming’.”30 Paul Joseph Watson. “The most hysterical, hyperbolic, alarmist, and downright wrong conspiracy theory over the last 30 years has been “man-made global warming”,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on June 2, 2017. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived on June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

2015 video on global warming

November 30, 2015

Watson uploaded a YouTube video called “‘Global Warming’ is a Crock of Sh*t” where he spoke of the “man-made climate change hoax”. In the clip, which had 750,000 views as of June 2020, Watson said:31‘Global Warming’ is a ‘Crock of Sh*t,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on November 30, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

“Global leaders are gathering in Paris to save the world from the biggest threat humanity has ever faced, man-made climate change. Despite the fact that man-made climate change is a crock of shit, and human activity has virtually no impact on heating the planet.”32‘Global Warming’ is a ‘Crock of Sh*t,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on November 30, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

Watson went on to make a number of false claims in the video, detailed below.33‘Global Warming’ is a ‘Crock of Sh*t,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on November 30, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

On limiting global temperature increases:

“Corrupt agenda-driven scientists have been caught over and over again faking temperature data to fool everyone into thinking that global warming is real. The actual figures show there’s been no global warming since the late ‘90s. That means that every single one of these global conferences has been a completely pointless waste of time and money.”34‘Global Warming’ is a ‘Crock of Sh*t,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on November 30, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

However, NASA data shows that with the exception of 1998, “nineteen of the 20 warmest years all have occurred since 2001”.35Global Temperature,” NASA. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/RpCnD

On Arctic sea ice:

“Global warming alarmists have been proven spectacularly wrong time and time again. In 2007 and 2009, scientists said that the Arctic would have ice-free summers by 2013. By the summer of 2015, Arctic sea ice was the thickest it’s been in almost 10 years. Antarctic sea ice also hit a record maximum in 2014. NASA now admits that the polar ice caps are not melting.”36‘Global Warming’ is a ‘Crock of Sh*t,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on November 30, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

On its website, NASA says Arctic sea ice is declining at a rate of 12.85 percent per decade and sea ice reached its minimum level in 2012. Additionally, according to climate myth busting site Skeptical Science, “arctic sea ice loss is three times greater than Antarctic sea ice gain”.37Arctic Sea Ice Minimum,” NASA. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/xqNTJ 38How does Arctic sea ice loss compare to Antarctic sea ice gain?Skeptical Science. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/iX1xE

On inland flooding:

“In 2003 the Pentagon released a report predicting that by 2013 climate change would flood California with inland seas and that parts of the Netherlands would be unliveable.”39‘Global Warming’ is a ‘Crock of Sh*t,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on November 30, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

The 2003 report by Peter Schwartz and Doug Randall that Watson is referring to was intended to hypothesize a climate change scenario which “although not the most likely, is plausible”. The writers claim in the report’s abstract that its intention is to “imagine the unthinkable” and specifies that scientists who support the project “caution that the scenario depicted is extreme” and that the “magnitude of the event may be considerably smaller”.40 Peter Schwartz, Doug Randall. “An Abrupt Climate Change Scenario and Its Implications for United States National Security,” Columbia University, October 2003. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/J5dPG

On solar and wind power:

“Programmes to stop global climate change are also a complete waste of money and only serve to massively cripple economies. Solar power and wind are virtually useless. It takes three decades after installing solar panels just to get your money back. And wind turbines are even worse. They’re ridiculously expensive and in many cases emit more CO2 than they save.”41‘Global Warming’ is a ‘Crock of Sh*t,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on November 30, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

Independent experts at the Energy Saving Trust estimate the payback for solar panels in many parts of the UK is likely to be closer to 20 years and can save households around £200-£300 per year.42What are solar panels?Energy Saving Trust. Archived June 29, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/jfTtd

On the terms ‘global warming’ and ‘climate change’:

“Also note how these climate change alarmists move the goalposts every single time they’re discredited. First they called it global warming, and then when global warming stopped, they called it climate change.”43‘Global Warming’ is a ‘Crock of Sh*t,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on November 30, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

According to Skeptical Science, “there have long been claims that some unspecified ‘they’ has “changed the name from ‘global warming’ to ‘climate change’”. In reality, the two terms mean different things, have both been used for decades.”44Global warming vs climate change,” Skeptical Science. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/BgXo3

On weather:

“Extreme weather conditions are becoming less extreme.”45‘Global Warming’ is a ‘Crock of Sh*t,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on November 30, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

This is a false claim commonly used by climate science deniers. Carbon Brief mapped every extreme-weather attribution study published to date and found that “69% of the 355 extreme weather events and trends included in the map were found to be made more likely or more severe by human-caused climate change.”46 Bob Ward. “Climate change deniers trying to fool the public again about extreme weather,” LSE, February 15, 2019. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/B0Tlo 47 Roz Pidcock, Rosamund Pearce, Robert McSweeney. “Mapped: How climate change affects extreme weather around the world,” Carbon Brief, April 15, 2020. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/3qOHM

On solar activity:

“Now as a result of decreased solar activity, you know, that giant flaming ball of fire that global warming alarmists say has nothing whatsoever to do with climate change, we’re actually about to enter a new mini ice age.”48‘Global Warming’ is a ‘Crock of Sh*t,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on November 30, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

As Skeptical Science reports, “cooling from the lowered solar output is estimated at around 0.1°C (with a maximum possible value of 0.3°C) while the greenhouse gas warming will be around 3.7°C to 4.5°C, depending on how much CO2 we emit throughout the 21st century”.49Are we heading into a new Ice Age?Skeptical Science. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/IcYVv

On biodiversity:

“Natural global warming actually produces a greener, more fruitful planet and increases the range and diversity of species.”50‘Global Warming’ is a ‘Crock of Sh*t,” YouTube video uploaded by user Paul Joseph Watson on November 30, 2015. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

According to a study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B, climate change is “likely to become a major pressure on biodiversity in the coming decades, probably matching or exceeding the effects of land-use change by 2070.51 Tim Newbold. “Future effects of climate and land-use change on terrestrial vertebrate community diversity under different scenarios,” Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B, June 20, 2018. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/ippfq

Key Quotes

January 22, 2020

In a Summit News article about teenage climate change activist Greta Thunberg, Watson wrote:52 Paul Joseph Watson. “Historian Slams Greta Thunberg: “I Don’t See Her in Beijing or Delhi”,” Summit News, January 22, 2020. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/ViBJr

“Even if you believe wholeheartedly in the decidedly shaky science behind man-made global warming, the west is more than doing its part. But we’re the ones being lectured to not travel, not eat meat and not have children despite already being in massive demographic decline.53 Paul Joseph Watson. “Historian Slams Greta Thunberg: “I Don’t See Her in Beijing or Delhi”,” Summit News, January 22, 2020. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/ViBJr

“Meanwhile, Africa, India and China continue to wantonly pollute and none of Greta Thunberg’s fury or the attention of the media is ever directed their way.”54 Paul Joseph Watson. “Historian Slams Greta Thunberg: “I Don’t See Her in Beijing or Delhi”,” Summit News, January 22, 2020. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/ViBJr

October 17, 2019

Watson wrote about climate change activists:55 Paul Joseph Watson. “Angry Londoners Drag Climate Change Protesters From Roof of Train,” Summit News, October 17, 2019. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/kLjAo

“The ‘Extinction Rebellion’ protest movement is one huge virtue signal centered around middle and upper middle class people lecturing working class people on how to live their lives.”56 Paul Joseph Watson. “Angry Londoners Drag Climate Change Protesters From Roof of Train,” Summit News, October 17, 2019. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/kLjAo

July 11, 2019

Watson claimed that a non-peer reviewed manuscript which falsely claims natural cloud changes explain global warming, proved there was no “overwhelming consensus” on climate change:57 Paul Joseph Watson. “New Finnish Study Finds No Evidence For Man-Made Climate Change,” Summit News, July 11, 2019. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/JXOpr 58 “Non-peer-reviewed manuscript falsely claims natural cloud changes can explain global warming,” Climate Feedback. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/YgluN

“While the methods and results of the study can be debated, this once again illustrates how there is no overwhelming consensus on man-made global warming as the media often claims.

“In reality, there are dozens of prominent scientists who believe that climate change is driven by natural forces or that the United Nations’ climate projections are unreliable.”59 Paul Joseph Watson. “New Finnish Study Finds No Evidence For Man-Made Climate Change,” Summit News, July 11, 2019. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/JXOpr

February 3, 2019

Watson tweeted:60 Paul Joseph Watson. “Global warming is bullshit. I grew up in the 80’s being lectured that by the late 90s the ecosystem would collapse. We will all be here 30 years from now completely fine. Debate me, bet me any money bitches. The world will survive. Everything will be fine,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on February 3, 2019. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

“Global warming is bullshit. I grew up in the 80’s being lectured that by the late 90s the ecosystem would collapse.

We will all be here 30 years from now completely fine.

Debate me, bet me any money bitches. The world will survive. Everything will be fine.

Stop being idiotic.”61 Paul Joseph Watson. “Global warming is bullshit. I grew up in the 80’s being lectured that by the late 90s the ecosystem would collapse. We will all be here 30 years from now completely fine. Debate me, bet me any money bitches. The world will survive. Everything will be fine,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on February 3, 2019. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

December 6, 2018

In response to a video of U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez arguing that a “transition to 100 percent renewable energy” could be used to “deliver economic, social and racial justice in the United States”, Watson wrote:62 Paul Joseph Watson. “Both man-made climate change and “racism” are hysterical scare campaigns pushed by elite institutions to rip off and divide people,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on December 6, 2018. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

“Both man-made climate change and ‘racism’ are hysterical scare campaigns pushed by elite institutions to rip off and divide people.”63 Paul Joseph Watson. “Both man-made climate change and “racism” are hysterical scare campaigns pushed by elite institutions to rip off and divide people,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on December 6, 2018. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

December 29, 2017

On Twitter, Watson wrote:64 Paul Joseph Watson. “Al Gore was wrong. The UN was wrong. All the climate “scientists” stuffing their pockets with grant money to push the fake pseudo-science of global warming were wrong. Why is anyone still listening to them?” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on December 29, 2017. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

“Al Gore was wrong. The UN was wrong. All the climate ‘scientists’ stuffing their pockets with grant money to push the fake pseudo-science of global warming were wrong.

Why is anyone still listening to them?”65 Paul Joseph Watson. “Al Gore was wrong. The UN was wrong. All the climate “scientists” stuffing their pockets with grant money to push the fake pseudo-science of global warming were wrong. Why is anyone still listening to them?” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on December 29, 2017. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

June 1, 2017

The same day that President Donald Trump confirmed the U.S. would pull out of the U.N. Paris Agreement, a global treaty to address climate change, Watson wrote:66 Oliver Milman, David Smith, Damian Carrington. “Donald Trump confirms US will quit Paris climate agreement,” Guardian, June 1, 2017. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/061nL 67 Paul Joseph Watson. “The same amount of evidence exists for man-made climate change as Russia “hacking” the election. None whatsoever. #ParisAgreement,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on June 1, 2017. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

“The same amount of evidence exists for man-made climate change as Russia ‘hacking’ the election. None whatsoever.”68 Paul Joseph Watson. “The same amount of evidence exists for man-made climate change as Russia “hacking” the election. None whatsoever. #ParisAgreement,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on June 1, 2017. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

May 31, 2017

Watson tweeted:69 Paul Joseph Watson. “Global warming regulations are exacerbating poverty & overpopulation in the third world. The #ParisAgreement is racist. Trump is right,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on May 31, 2017. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

“Global warming regulations are exacerbating poverty & overpopulation in the third world.

The #ParisAgreement is racist.

Trump is right.”70 Paul Joseph Watson. “Global warming regulations are exacerbating poverty & overpopulation in the third world. The #ParisAgreement is racist. Trump is right,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on May 31, 2017. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

Key Actions

February 16, 2021

Watson sent a tweet criticising the alleged hypocrisy of Bill Gates’ advocacy for the consumption of lab-grown meat. He stated: “Bill Gates saying western countries should switch to “100% synthetic beef” while himself being a vociferous carnivore and admitting his favorite food is hamburgers,” adding: “You’ll be eating the 3D printed plastic meat, not him and his Davos friends.”71Bill Gates saying western countries should switch to “100% synthetic beef” while himself being a vociferous carnivore and admitting his favorite food is hamburgers.You’ll be eating the 3D printed plastic meat, not him and his Davos friends,” tweet by @PrisonPlanet, February 16, 2021. Retrieved from twitter.com. Archived.png on file at Desmog

February 3, 2021

According to Media Matters for America, Watson claimed that governments planned to use the COVID-19 lockdowns as a pretext to impose climate lockdowns to curtail consumption and emissions, stating: “With barely a whimper of opposition, lockdowns have been established as the primary, reasonable go-to response to a crisis. This isn’t going to end with COVID-19.”72 Olivia Little. “YouTube is profiting from Infowars’ editor-at-large,” Media Matters, February 3, 2021. Archived March 8, 2021. Archive.vn URL: https://archive.vn/5RR4X

March 23, 2020

Watson claimed on Twitter that “environmentalists feel happy and vindicated that thousands of people are dying” due to the coronavirus. Reacting to actor Idris Elba’s suggestion that the pandemic was Earth’s response to being damaged by humanity, Watson wrote that there was “no chance in hell” that we should trust “these” people.73Paul Joseph Watson. “Idris Elba says coronavirus is the planet “reacting to the human race” as revenge for climate change. Environmentalists feel happy and vindicated that thousands of people are dying. These are the people we are supposed to trust and hand over power to. No,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on March 23, 2020. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

January 22, 2020

Watson criticised a German panel of linguists for banning the words “climate hysteria” as part of their annual ‘Un-word of the year’. Suggesting that the language was banned because the linguists were “nervous that more Germans appear to be rejecting the cult of man-made climate change,” Watson compared the action to Newspeak, the fictional language designed to limit free speech and thought featured in George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984.74Paul Joseph Watson. “German Language Police Group Decides to ‘UnWord’ the Term ‘Climate Hysteria’,” Summit News, January 22, 2020. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/bOA5X 75What is Newspeak in 1984?” Study.com. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/OHNzY

December 14, 2019

Watson criticised Sky News for giving a “gushingly sympathetic 30 minute platform” to climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion, claiming that it was proof that global warming “hysteria” was a “top down movement backed by giant corporations & institutions to the detriment of ordinary working people”.76Paul Joseph Watson. “Sky News just devoted a gushingly sympathetic 30 minute platform to Extinction Rebellion, illustrating once again that global warming hysteria is a top down movement backed by giant corporations & institutions to the detriment of ordinary working people,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on December 14, 2019. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 29, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

December 13, 2019

Watson retweeted a post by environmental writer George Monbiot with a comment claiming that he was part of the “globalist climate change hysteria movement backed by giant banks, corporations & the entire mainstream media”.77 Paul Joseph Watson. “You’re part of globalist climate change hysteria movement backed by giant banks, corporations & the entire mainstream media. A movement that is already hurting people economically & sparked huge revolts in France, Holland & Germany. They’re the real resis,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on December 13, 2019. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 29, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

November 5, 2019

Watson claimed that 11,250 climate change scientists had shown “shocking racism” for suggesting people should have fewer children in an emergency declaration.78 Paul Joseph Watson. “11,250 scientists have signed an emergency declaration urging people to have fewer children to halt climate change. In these countries, women on average have… Africa: 4.5 kids Asia: 2.1 kids North America: 1.9 kids Europe: 1.6 kids Shocking racism from ,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on November 5, 2019. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived June 29, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog. 79 Aylin Woodward. “More than 11,000 scientists have declared a ‘climate emergency.’ One of the best things we can do, they say, is have fewer children,” Business Insider, November 5, 2019. Archived June 29, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/q5Hbe

September 24, 2019

Watson described teenage climate change activist Greta Thunberg as a “fraud” because she had not included China in a complaint to the U.N. accusing five countries of endangering children’s wellbeing by failing to tackle climate change.80 Paul Joseph Watson. “Greta Thunberg (the people using her as a child human shield for their hysterical propaganda) has filed a complaint with the UN against 5 countries for not stopping climate change. China – the biggest polluter in the world – is not one of them,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet, September 24, 2019. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived on June 26, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog. 81 Fiona Harvey. “Greta Thunberg and children’s group hit back at attempt to throw out climate case,” Guardian, May 5, 2020. Archived June 29, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/e9rIw

September 8, 2017

Watson suggested that “global warming alarmists” believe weather has nothing to do with climate change unless they can “use it to bolster” their claims.82 Paul Joseph Watson. “Global warming alarmists: Weather has nothing to do with climate change unless we can use it to bolster our claims, in which case it does,” Tweet by @PrisonPlanet on September 8, 2017. Retrieved from Twitter.com. Archived on June 29, 2020. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

Affiliations

Social Media

Publications

Watson has over 1,000 articles listed on his author page at Summit News, which can be seen here.85Paul Joseph Watson,” Summit News. Archived June 26, 2020. Archive.fo URL: http://archive.fo/uHbS9

Other Resources

Resources

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