Exxon scientists accurately predicted the pace and scale of climate change more than 40 years ago, according to a study that its authors say adds weight to claims the oil firm knew about and sought to downplay the risks posed by continued fossil fuel use.
Scientists working for Exxon between 1977 and 2003 accurately forecasted the rate at which global average temperatures would rise as a result of carbon emissions, correctly predicted that human-caused global warming would first be detectable by around 2000 and reasonably estimated how much carbon dioxide would lead to dangerous warming, according to the study.
Leaked internal documents published in 2015 suggest Exxon, which became ExxonMobil in 1999, was aware of climate change in the 1970s and knew the threat could cause “dramatic environmental effects before the year 2050”.
For decades, Exxon executives argued in public that the science of climate change was still uncertain, with former CEO Lee Raymond warning in 2000 that research wasn’t robust enough to “justify drastic measures” to cut emissions. The firm has also been criticsed for funding groups that promoted misleading information on climate change.
NewScientist
Further information and in-depth analysis @Science.org
I remember environmentalists of the time being dismissed as cranks when they tried to bring information on changes in the Earth's climate to a global audience and, as the AMA tried to conceal the truth about smoking in the 50s, were subjected to a smear campaign that still goes on, despite the evidence.
Still don't believe industrial activity is driving climate change?
Scientists working for Exxon between 1977 and 2003 accurately forecasted the rate at which global average temperatures would rise as a result of carbon emissions, correctly predicted that human-caused global warming would first be detectable by around 2000 and reasonably estimated how much carbon dioxide would lead to dangerous warming, according to the study.
Leaked internal documents published in 2015 suggest Exxon, which became ExxonMobil in 1999, was aware of climate change in the 1970s and knew the threat could cause “dramatic environmental effects before the year 2050”.
For decades, Exxon executives argued in public that the science of climate change was still uncertain, with former CEO Lee Raymond warning in 2000 that research wasn’t robust enough to “justify drastic measures” to cut emissions. The firm has also been criticsed for funding groups that promoted misleading information on climate change.
NewScientist
Further information and in-depth analysis @Science.org
I remember environmentalists of the time being dismissed as cranks when they tried to bring information on changes in the Earth's climate to a global audience and, as the AMA tried to conceal the truth about smoking in the 50s, were subjected to a smear campaign that still goes on, despite the evidence.
Still don't believe industrial activity is driving climate change?
