is it true that the oil industries knew about the climate change 40 years before it occured and said nothing at all?
Yes, it is true. There is substantial evidence that the oil industry was aware of the risks of climate change decades ago but did not publicly acknowledge them12345. Here are some key points:
- Early Awareness: The oil industry was aware of the risks of climate change as early as the 1960s4. A report commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute in 1982 cautioned that global warming “can have serious consequences for man’s comfort and survival”3.
- Public Misinformation: Despite their knowledge, oil companies led a coordinated effort to spread disinformation to mislead the public and prevent crucial action to address climate change2. They contributed quietly to climate science, and loudly to promoting doubt about that science2.
- Shift in Tactics: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, oil companies began publicly acknowledging the scientific consensus on climate change and responded by promoting market-based solutions to mitigating emissions5.
This information has come to light through various investigations and studies, revealing a significant discrepancy between what the oil industry knew about climate change and what it publicly disclosed12345. It’s a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the global challenge of climate change.
