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The Power of Big Oil Part One: Denial (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

FRONTLINE PBS | Official・57 minutes read

Oil and gas industries grapple with climate change challenges despite Exxon's early research, later distancing themselves; industry groups work to cast doubt on climate change to protect interests, ultimately influencing policy decisions and delaying action on emissions cuts. Despite scientific consensus on human-induced climate change, economic studies funded by the industry ignore benefits of action, with missed opportunities for leadership in renewable energy research leading to unnecessary global suffering.

Insights

  • Exxon conducted extensive climate change research in the 80s, predicting significant global warming due to fossil fuel consumption, yet later distanced itself from the issue, prioritizing fossil fuel dominance over alternative energy solutions.
  • Various entities, including Exxon and coal-fired power utilities, funded the emergence of climate change deniers and organizations like the Global Climate Coalition, which aimed to sow doubt on climate change, highlighting the significant influence of corporate interests in shaping policy decisions and hindering meaningful action on climate change.

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Recent questions

  • What role did Exxon play in climate change research?

    Exxon conducted climate change research in the 80s, acknowledging potential threats to their business. They recruited top graduates for environmental monitoring and initiated a research program on the greenhouse effect, predicting significant global warming due to fossil fuel consumption. Despite early research, Exxon later distanced itself from the issue, focusing on maintaining fossil fuel dominance.

  • How did NASA contribute to climate change research?

    NASA scientists in the mid-70s observed rising carbon dioxide levels and predicted global warming from fossil fuel burning. Hansen from NASA presented research findings in 1988, highlighting unprecedented warming due to the greenhouse effect. Their observations and studies contributed significantly to understanding climate change impacts.

  • What was the response of the American Petroleum Institute to climate change concerns?

    The American Petroleum Institute (API), influenced by Exxon, aimed to downplay urgency around climate change. They prepared briefings emphasizing uncertainty and advocated for minimal policy changes. API's stance aligned with industry interests, focusing on maintaining the status quo regarding climate change policies.

  • How did the Koch brothers influence climate change discussions?

    The Koch brothers funded efforts through organizations like the Cato Institute to cast doubt on climate change severity. They opposed significant policy actions and funded campaigns against energy taxes. Their influence played a role in shaping public perception and policy decisions on climate change.

  • What was the impact of industry-funded studies on climate change action?

    Studies funded by the industry concluded negative impacts of emission reduction on jobs and ignored the benefits of climate change action. This skewed perspective influenced policy decisions and public discourse, hindering progress towards addressing climate change effectively.

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Summary

00:00

Exxon's Climate Change Research and Denial

  • Oil and gas have been crucial for society for over 150 years, but the industry faces challenges due to climate change.
  • A three-part series delves into the failure to address climate change and the role of the fossil fuel industry.
  • Exxon conducted climate change research in the 80s, acknowledging the potential threats to their business.
  • Exxon's research division offered a high salary to recruit top graduates, focusing on environmental monitoring.
  • NASA scientists in the mid-70s observed rising carbon dioxide levels and predicted global warming due to fossil fuel burning.
  • Exxon initiated a research program to study the greenhouse effect, involving ocean carbon dioxide balance research.
  • Exxon's research team predicted significant global warming due to fossil fuel consumption, urging further research.
  • Exxon's internal documents revealed deep discussions on climate change, contradicting their public denial narrative.
  • Exxon's shift away from alternative energy research in the 80s showcased a focus on maintaining fossil fuel dominance.
  • Despite early climate change research by Exxon, the company later distanced itself from the issue, leading to missed opportunities for action.

19:31

Corporate Influence Shapes Climate Change Policy

  • In the 1980s, signs of human impact on climate change became evident, leading to significant droughts and extreme weather events.
  • Scientists, like Hansen from NASA, felt a moral obligation to communicate the implications of climate change clearly.
  • Hansen presented research findings in 1988, highlighting that the Earth was experiencing unprecedented warming due to the greenhouse effect.
  • The American Petroleum Institute (API) responded to Hansen's testimony by preparing briefings emphasizing uncertainty around climate change.
  • The API's stance, influenced by Exxon, aimed to downplay urgency and advocate for minimal policy changes regarding climate change.
  • The Koch brothers, through organizations like the Cato Institute, funded efforts to cast doubt on the severity of climate change and oppose significant policy actions.
  • The API, Cato Institute, and other groups mobilized to fight against proposed energy taxes, like the BTU tax, to protect industry interests.
  • Grassroots and grass-tops campaigns were orchestrated to influence policymakers like Senator Bourne to oppose energy taxes, citing concerns about economic impacts.
  • Corporate interests, like Koch Industries, played a significant role in funding and orchestrating campaigns against energy taxes, ultimately influencing policy decisions.
  • Senator Bourne ultimately opposed the energy tax, influenced by industry campaigns, leading to the abandonment of the proposed tax by President Clinton.

37:41

Senate fails energy tax; climate change denial rises.

  • The Senate did not pass an energy tax due to a lack of votes and the nation's car addiction.
  • Despite the failed tax proposal, efforts were made to regroup and approach the issue differently.
  • The Koch network leadership was pleased with the successful campaign against the tax.
  • The emerging industry of climate change deniers was funded by various entities like Exxon and coal-fired power utilities.
  • The Global Climate Coalition, comprising major fossil fuel-related entities, aimed to cast doubt on climate change.
  • A communication proposal by the E. Bruce Harrison Company for the Global Climate Coalition emphasized scientific uncertainty.
  • The Global Climate Coalition sought to recruit third-party spokespersons to advocate for their narrative on climate change.
  • The IPCC's findings in Madrid highlighted a discernible human influence on global climate, marking a scientific victory.
  • The Global Climate Coalition accused a lead author of scientific cleansing in a report, sparking public attacks.
  • Exxon's chairman, Lee Raymond, promoted uncertainty around climate change despite growing scientific consensus.

58:14

Debate over human impact on climate change

  • Scientific evidence remains inconclusive on human activities affecting global climate
  • A world-class climate and carbon cycle research group exists in Exxon Research and Engineering
  • Lee Raymond, former CEO of ExxonMobil, publicly questioned climate change science
  • Global climate change discussed by 120 countries in Berlin, aiming for greenhouse gas emission reduction
  • Negotiators in Kyoto agreed to exempt developing countries from emission caps
  • Exxon funded right-wing think tanks to oppose climate change action
  • Economic studies funded by the industry concluded negative impacts of emission reduction on jobs
  • Studies funded by the industry ignored benefits of climate change action
  • ExxonMobil acknowledged past participation in opposing climate policies
  • UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change confirms human activities as the cause of climate change, urging drastic emission cuts.

01:19:20

ExxonMobil acknowledges climate risks, lacks solutions

  • ExxonMobil, led by Darren Woods, acknowledges climate change risks but emphasizes the lack of easy solutions, aligning with scientific consensus.
  • Despite past predictions coming true, the lack of action on climate change is lamented, with missed opportunities for leadership in solar and battery research highlighted, leading to unnecessary global suffering.
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