How pie-in-the-sky conspiracies distract from climate dangers

image via New Scientist

October 8, 2025, 6:00 PM

• •The chemtrail conspiracy theory alleges that contrails from aircraft are used for harmful purposes.
• •Contrails, however, are simply ice crystals formed from water vapor in engine exhaust.
• •Contrails and contrail cirrus clouds do contribute to global warming, potentially as much as aviation fuel.
• •The chemtrail conspiracy distracts from the real issue of aviation's climate impact and hinders effective action.

Graham Lawton argues that the chemtrail conspiracy theory, which falsely claims that aircraft intentionally release harmful chemicals, undermines legitimate efforts to address aviation's impact on the climate. This theory distracts from the real issue of contrails and their contribution to global warming, potentially as significant as aviation fuel emissions. Lawton criticizes the conspiracy's proponents, highlighting their misdirected activism, while noting that the aviation and fossil fuel industries may quietly benefit from the distraction. Lawton's personal experience with climate change deniers further illustrates the counterproductive nature of the chemtrail belief.

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