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kerry-is-my-prez

(10,043 posts)
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 07:34 PM Thursday

Why nothing has been done about climate change.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/08/exxon-climate-change-1981-climate-denier-funding

ExxonMobil, the world’s biggest oil company, knew as early as 1981 of climate change – seven years before itbecame a public issue, according to a newly discovered email from one of the firm’s own scientists. Despite this the firm spent millions ($33 million) over the next 27 years to promote climate denial.
(The link above lists the 72 organizations it gave money to and the amounts)

https://www.desmog.com/exxonmobil-funding-climate-science-denial/

ExxonMobil turned its back on crafting responsible solutions and instead funded a sophisticated campaign to sow doubt and delay action to curb carbon emissions — honing the tobacco industry’s playbook with even more advanced public relations, advertising and lobbying muscle.

-snip-

We know this $33M figure is an underestimate of the total spending by Exxon to fund opposition work on climate policy. For example, the Chamber of Commerce appears for the first time on Exxon’s Worldwide Giving report in 2014 at $1 Million. We assume this is not the first (or the last) contribution Exxon has made to the US Chamber of Commerce.
On this page, you’ll find the total amount of funding from ExxonMobil and its foundations to dozens of organizations that worked to spread climate denial. Hyperlinks will take you to further detail about each organization’s funding specifics and activities.
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kerry-is-my-prez

(10,043 posts)
4. $6,820,000 in 2024 In lobbying money
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 07:43 PM
Thursday

In Congress:

Republicans $550,718 58.06%
Democrats $394,377 41.58%
Others $3,405 0.35%

JT45242

(3,448 posts)
3. There are smoking gun documents that the entire fossil fuel industry knew in the early 70s
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 07:42 PM
Thursday
that $33 million dollar number is a pittance compared to the money the industry used to bribe politicians through legal campaign contributions.

Those go into the billions, accelerated after citizen united when there were no limits.

Likely there were plenty of illegal kickbacks, bribes, etc with promises ranging from putting a plant in your district, giving jobs to friends and relatives, travel for politicians and their family, and maybe even Spiro Agnew style brown bags full of cash.

kerry-is-my-prez

(10,043 posts)
5. They must not have published any climate denial info anywhere I go.
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 07:46 PM
Thursday

Had never really heard anything other than a few advertisements on tv. Of course, I don’t watch Fox News and only read quality newspapers.

JT45242

(3,448 posts)
6. They paid scientists who published in journals that you pay to get in or as industry sponsored white papers
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 07:53 PM
Thursday

That's the $33 million they are referring to.

There are a lot of peer reviewed journals that will basically automatically publish anything if you pay their fee. You pay the fee. You get a few comments to revise. Then publish.

White papers from think tanks also were good options.

kerry-is-my-prez

(10,043 posts)
7. I doubt many laymen get their news from peer-reviewed journals.
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 08:03 PM
Thursday

I used to have to read journals and published some articles in journals. You DO NOT read those unless you HAVE to or you are involved in research or science. That crap must be pumped out on Fox, etc.

MichMan

(15,314 posts)
10. Politicians want low gas prices
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 08:40 PM
Thursday

Then act surprised that consumers don't embrace EV.

Want to get people to drive EV? Tax gas an additional $5 per gallon.

JI7

(92,234 posts)
11. People want lower prices and would vote out politicians
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 09:57 PM
Thursday

that vote in ways they will increase the price.

FakeNoose

(37,674 posts)
12. They have killed all the technologies that would have provided better, safer transportation
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 10:06 PM
Thursday

... without burning oil or gasoline. It has been going on for at least 50 years, and probably longer.

Buying politicians is the easy part. Preventing revolutionary new non-oil-based technology and keeping it all under wraps - that has been the challenge.

Johonny

(24,034 posts)
13. Because the American voter is really really stupid
Thu Jun 26, 2025, 10:38 PM
Thursday

All evidence points to them being dumber than ever.

Melon

(468 posts)
14. They have the same goals as the EU. Reduction in carbon footprint now for a few years.
Fri Jun 27, 2025, 01:38 AM
Friday

I’ve reviewed their carbon initiatives. As an industry, everyone is similar. 30% reduction by 2030. Carbon neutral by 2050. They present their goals and progress at every quarterly meeting.

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