Oil Industry’s Decades of Knowledge on Climate Crisis Exposed: Damaging Effects & Denial Revealed
A recent case filed in U.S. District Court has shed light on the oil industry’s long-standing knowledge of the climate crisis and its harmful consequences. The case, titled Municipalities of Puerto Rico v. Exxon Mobile, et al, follows the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and presents compelling evidence of the industry’s awareness dating back to the 1960s.
Scientists commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute (API), a trade organization representing the oil industry, published a report in 1968 that outlined the potential dangers of climate change. They warned that a doubling of carbon dioxide levels could lead to a 1 to 3-degree Celsius increase in global temperatures by 2050, with a staggering rise of 10 degrees at the poles. The report also predicted melting of the Antarctic ice cap, rising sea levels, warming oceans, and increased photosynthesis.
These findings align with the conclusions of other scientific research conducted more than 50 years ago, making it all the more remarkable that they were prepared for the API. In a supplementary report for the API in 1969, scientists projected that atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations would reach 370 parts per million by 2000. Astoundingly, the actual figure in 2000 was 369.34 ppm, indicating the accuracy of their predictions.
The evidence leaves no room for doubt that the oil industry was well aware of the environmental damage caused by its products at the same time as the scientific community. However, instead of taking responsible action, the industry embarked on a multi-million dollar propaganda and disinformation campaign spanning five decades. The aim was to sow doubt in the minds of the public, much like the tobacco industry had done to downplay the health risks of smoking. Notably, some of the same scientists advised both the tobacco and oil industries in these efforts.
Unfortunately, this campaign of disinformation continues today, with new players and strategies. A recent article in The Economist magazine highlights how MAGA Republicans are preparing for another term under Donald Trump or a GOP victory in 2024. The article outlines their pledge to end the war on fossil fuels by reversing policies aimed at curbing climate change.
The blueprint for this effort is laid out in a report titled Project 2025 from the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank. The climate section of the report, written by Mandy Gunasekara, a former Environmental Protection Agency chief of staff during the Trump administration, acknowledges the reality of climate change. However, it minimizes its severity, claiming a mild and manageable future climate change based on undisclosed consultations with unnamed scientists.
It is important to note that this assertion is not supported by credible science. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the global scientific community have extensively documented the increasingly severe impacts of climate change due to continued reliance on fossil fuels. Yet, the Heritage Foundation and the Republican Party advocate for a business-as-usual approach, displaying willful ignorance and negligence.
Interestingly, it wasn’t always this way for the GOP. The Nixon administration spearheaded bipartisan efforts to pass environmentally friendly legislation, including the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and various acts protecting the environment. However, the party’s stance shifted under the Reagan administration, with attacks on environmental regulations and the appointment of officials catering to business interests.
Unfortunately, the Trump-led Republicans further escalated the hostility towards environmental concerns. President Trump famously dismissed climate change as a hoax, attempted to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, rolled back environmental regulations, and actively supported increased fossil fuel consumption.
Even the current crop of GOP candidates shows minimal improvement. During the first debate, most candidates largely dodged the issue of climate change, with one even proclaiming it to be a hoax. Another acknowledged its reality but shifted blame onto China, despite the fact that per capita emissions in China are half that of the United States.
It is crucial to understand that climate science is not a matter of belief; it is based on well-established principles of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Addressing the climate crisis requires political will and action, with all parties moving towards a clean energy economy. Only a GOP grounded in reality and willing to tackle this issue can contribute meaningfully to the solution.
In conclusion, the recent revelations of the oil industry’s knowledge of the climate crisis for decades and its subsequent campaign of denial reveal a deeply troubling pattern. It is time for society and policymakers to hold the industry accountable for its actions and prioritize sustainable solutions for the sake of our planet and future generations.
