Fossil fuel industry accused of suppressing climate science

Reports indicate that fossil fuel companies, including Exxon, were aware of the climate-altering effects of carbon dioxide as early as the 1970s. Despite internal scientific warnings regarding the severe and potentially irreversible consequences of burning fossil fuels, industry executives reportedly chose to keep this information secret to maintain profits.

Following the disclosure of this knowledge, the industry is accused of employing disinformation tactics similar to those used by the tobacco industry. This includes greenwashing—advertising minor renewable projects while continuing heavy investment in fossil fuels—and shifting responsibility for climate change onto individual consumers.

Further scrutiny is directed at the use of methane gas, which is often marketed as a “clean” bridge fuel. However, research from the Rocky Mountain Institute suggests that methane is roughly 84 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. The reports also highlight significant economic and environmental issues, such as massive methane leaks, noting that Texas alone lost $1 billion in wasted methane last year.