From Denial to Duty: How Men Can Lead in Climate Protection

Real Masculine Strength: Protecting People and the Planet

Introduction

In the manosphere is a network of online communities focused on traditional masculinity. Figures such as Andrew Tate, Joe Rogan, and Jordan Peterson are prominent and often portray masculinity as being dominating, lacking empathy, or even being cruel. These same figures will dismiss environmentalism as weak or feminine. However, true masculine strength lies in using your power to protect people in need and the environment. This dominance narrative, pushed through podcasts and other channels, can align with pro-fossil fuel agendas by framing environmental activism as unmasculine and not something that "real" men should participate in. This article explores how authentic masculinity involves safeguarding others and the planet, countering toxic narratives, and addressing the fossil fuel industry’s influence on climate denial.

Redefining Masculine Strength

True masculine strength is about protection and care, not domination. Courage, resilience, and responsibility, these are traits of masculinity. Mascility is in acts of defending vulnerable communities or ensuring a sustainable future. In contrast to toxic masculinity, which emphasizes domination and ignores environmental issues, genuine strength focuses on caring for and protecting both people and the planet. This contrasts with manosphere rhetoric that mocks environmentalism, as seen in Andrew Tate’s boasts about his carbon footprint or Joe Rogan’s podcast discussions downplaying climate science. Protecting the environment requires foresight and leadership, qualities central to a redefined masculinity.

Environmentalism as a Masculine Duty

Research highlights an all-too-common perception that environmentalism is feminine, deterring men from eco-friendly actions. A 2017 Scientific American study found that both men and women associate reusable bags with femininity, and many men avoid green behaviors when their masculinity feels threatened, such as choosing non-eco products after receiving a pink gift card. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as petro-masculinity (Daggett 2018).

Yet, the concept of ecological masculinities as outlined in Martin Hultman and Paul M. Pulé’s 2019 book Ecological Masculinities redefines strength as caring for the global and local commons. This approach challenges stereotypes, encouraging men to see environmental protection as a powerful, masculine act of safeguarding future generations.

The Manosphere’s Role in Climate Denial

The manosphere often promotes climate denial. Figures like Andrew Tate, who bragged about his massive carbon footprint in a 2023 exchange with Greta Thunberg, and Jordan Peterson, who labeled climate science a conspiracy in a 2024 Guardian article, frame environmentalism as weak. The Joe Rogan Experience has been cited in a 2025 Sentient Media report for spreading climate misinformation, such as dismissing the environmental impact of meat production. These messages, targeting young male audiences, align with pro-fossil fuel narratives by undermining climate action.

The 2025 podcast series Carbon Bros, produced by Amy Westervelt and Daniel Penny, explores this trend. Episode 1, The Testosterone Pipeline, details how manosphere influencers spread climate denial, shaping young men’s views and influencing political outcomes, like the 2024 US election. The fossil fuel industry has been aware since the 1990s that certain men are susceptible to climate disinformation than the general population. And they have funded denial campaigns through groups like the American Petroleum Institute, as noted in the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Climate Deception Dossiers. While direct funding of manosphere podcasts lacks clear evidence, this history suggests at least an indirect influence.

Impact and Call to Action

The manosphere’s rejection of environmentalism as unmasculine harms both society and the environment, delaying climate action and exacerbating impacts on marginalized groups, as highlighted in a 2019 Reuters article. True masculine strength counters this by embracing stewardship for the planet. Men have a duty to lead by adopting sustainable practices, challenging denialist narratives, and supporting policies that protect vulnerable communities. This shift reframes environmentalism as a powerful act of leadership, aligning with the protective essence of masculinity.

Conclusion

True masculine strength lies in protecting people and the environment, not in dominance or denial. The manosphere’s climate skepticism, amplified by figures like Tate, Rogan, and Peterson, often serves fossil fuel interests by discouraging action. However, embracing ecological masculinities offers a path forward, where men use their strength to safeguard the planet. As Amy Westervelt and Daniel Penny’s work shows, countering these narratives is crucial for climate progress. By redefining masculinity as protective, men can become leaders in the fight for a future free from fossil fuels, benefiting all.