The Moral Equivalent of War Crimes (Fossil Fuels, Big Oil, And The Climate Cover-up)
Jun 6, 2023
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The podcast delves into the climate cover-up by Big Oil, discussing their crimes and deceit. It explores the disproportionate blame on cow burps, methane 'bombs,' and the moral equivalent of war crimes. The podcast exposes the industry's suppression of climate change warnings and their deceptive tactics. It also highlights the need for renewable energy and the hindrance caused by the fossil fuel industry.
The focus on beef cattle as a major environmental issue is disproportionate, as their emissions account for only around 5% of total emissions, whereas the oil and gas industry contribute significantly more.
Oil and gas emissions, particularly methane, are on par with those from agriculture, including beef cattle, highlighting the urgent need to address methane emissions from the oil and gas industry to effectively mitigate climate change.
Deep dives
The Focus on Cattle: A Scapegoat for Environmental Issues
The podcast episode explores the reasons behind beef cattle being scapegoated as a major environmental issue. It highlights that while beef cattle do contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, their impact is often exaggerated. Cattle emissions only account for around 5% of total emissions, with the entire livestock industry responsible for around 14-20%. This raises questions about why the focus is disproportionately placed on cattle when other sectors, particularly the oil and gas industry, contribute significantly more to emissions. The episode mentions that methane emissions from oil and gas are nearly equal to those from agriculture. The podcast suggests that diverting attention from the oil and gas industry may be beneficial to them, allowing them to continue emitting harmful gases while the public's focus remains on cattle.
The Environmental Impact of the Oil and Gas Industry
The episode sheds light on the significant impact of the oil and gas industry on greenhouse gas emissions. It reveals that oil and gas emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, are on par with those from agriculture, including beef cattle. The podcast discusses the tactics employed by oil and gas companies to divert attention away from their emissions, including funding climate change-denying groups and propagating confusion about the scientific consensus on climate change. The episode highlights that emissions from oil and gas facilities, including leaks, contribute significantly to overall methane emissions. The podcast emphasizes the urgent need to address methane emissions from the oil and gas industry to have a substantial impact on mitigating climate change.
The Alleged Deception by Oil Companies
The podcast uncovers the alleged deception and misleading tactics employed by oil companies in relation to climate change. It reveals that as early as 1977, fossil fuel companies were aware of the link between fossil fuel production and climate change. Despite this knowledge, these companies allegedly chose to prioritize their profits and manipulate public opinion by funding climate change denial campaigns and sowing confusion about the scientific consensus. The episode discusses how self-reporting by oil companies regarding their methane emissions may not accurately reflect the true extent of their emissions. The podcast emphasizes the need to hold these companies accountable for their actions and to address the issue of leaks in oil and gas facilities, which contribute significantly to methane emissions.
The Urgency of Addressing Methane Emissions
The podcast emphasizes the urgency of addressing methane emissions, particularly from leaks in oil and gas facilities. It highlights that methane has a short atmospheric life compared to carbon dioxide, making it crucial to reduce methane emissions to have an immediate impact on mitigating climate change. The episode calls for the industry to take responsibility and invest in fixing leaky infrastructure, which could result in a significant decrease in emissions. The podcast also encourages individuals to demand better and more sustainable practices from industries, such as more fuel-efficient vehicles and recyclable packaging, to reduce their carbon footprint.
Caroline discusses the climate cover-up no one’s talking about. Did you know nearly 75% of global emissions trace back to the energy sector? While we fight about cow burps, Big Oil keeps getting away with climate crimes in plain sight. What did they know and when did they know it? How do cars compare to cattle? What are methane ‘bombs?’ A deep dive into what has been called “the moral equivalent of war crimes.”