Origins of Climate Denial: Setting the Research Agenda
Feb 27, 2023
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A new study reveals that Exxon scientists accurately predicted the climate crisis caused by fossil fuels. The podcast explores how fossil fuel companies shaped climate change research and policy. It also dives into the historical efforts to manipulate public perception and hinder renewable energy. The influence of industry funding on climate change research is examined, revealing its impact on public understanding and progress in tackling climate change.
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Quick takeaways
Scientists working for Exxon accurately predicted climate change and its effects in the 1970s and 80s, debunking claims of scientific uncertainty made by the company in subsequent decades.
The fossil fuel industry has significant influence over research conducted at prestigious universities, shaping the scientific discourse and hindering progress in tackling climate change.
Deep dives
Exxon's Climate Change Predictions
A new peer-reviewed study reveals that scientists working for Exxon in the 1970s and 80s accurately predicted climate change and its effects. This information, backed by primary documents from within the company, debunks claims of scientific uncertainty made by Exxon in subsequent decades.
Fossil Fuel Industry Influence on Academia
Fossil fuel companies have significant influence over research conducted at prestigious universities. Funding from oil and gas corporations dominates energy and climate policy research at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. This influence shapes the scientific discourse, the public's understanding of climate science, and the selection of research projects.
Implications for Climate Policy and Public Perception
The efforts of the fossil fuel industry to shape research and public perception have had far-reaching consequences. It has hindered progress in tackling climate change, leading to a greater distance from achieving meaningful emissions reductions. Despite the gravity of the climate crisis, a small group of industry-backed individuals successfully cast doubt on the certainty of climate change and prevented timely action.
A new peer-reviewed study in the journal Science shows that not only did Exxon scientists suspect climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels was a growing problem that would lead to crisis if nothing changed, but they were terrifyingly accurate in their modeling and predictions. Alongside this special re-broadcast of Season 1 of Drilled, all about the origins of climate denial, we speak with the study's lead author Geoffrey Supran about its importance.
In this episode, we look at how fossil fuel companies have shaped the research agenda on climate, from the preferred technical solutions to policy frameworks, via strategic investments in research centers at elite universities.