The Global Story The oil lobbyist who tried to sink the first big climate deal
Nov 19, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Jordan Dunbar, a BBC climate journalist and presenter of The Climate Question, delves into the controversial legacy of Don Pearlman, an oil lobbyist notorious for his obstructive strategies during UN climate talks. Jordan reveals how Pearlman's manipulation of language and consensus tactics stymied the Kyoto Protocol, which the U.S. ultimately refused to ratify. He paints a vivid picture of modern COPs and the ongoing struggle between fossil fuel interests and climate action, emphasizing the critical stakes at COP30 in Brazil.
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Consensus Makes COPs Vulnerable
- COP meetings run on full consensus, which makes them vulnerable to delays and spoilers.
- Fossil fuel lobbyists often attend to influence outcomes by leveraging that consensus rule.
Perlman’s Side-Room Influence
- Don Perlman attended UN climate meetings from the 1990s and used deep technical knowledge to influence talks.
- He worked via petro-state delegations and industry clients to sow doubt and water down agreements.
Handwritten Notes Changed Wording
- Perlman couldn't enter the negotiating chamber so he communicated by passing handwritten notes to delegations like Kuwait.
- Notes requested precise wording changes such as "delete paragraph four" to slow or weaken the treaty.
