Exxon: The Road Not Taken is a major investigative report from InsideClimate News, showing that by 1982 Exxon Mobil had already conducted enough climate research to inform corporate leadership that fossil fuels were causing climate change, with catastrophic events a possible result. ICN launches a series of stories today that delve into Exxon's transition from confirming to denying climate science, captured on social as #ExxonKnew.
By combing through archives and interviewing employees, ICN's eight-month investigation reveals that Exxon leadership was briefed in 1977 by an external scientist, who said that there was "general scientific agreement" that fossil fuels were influencing the climate. Exxon then assembled its own team of researchers and began investigating. Their internal brain trust confirmed the initial assessment: carbon dioxide released by the burning of fossil fuels alters the global climate.
But instead of using that information to justify pursuing alternative energy, Exxon began investing in lobbying efforts like the Global Climate Coalition to deny the link between their product and climate change. GCC, which began in response to the initial IPCC report, was one of the first industry front groups to begin injecting doubt into the public about climate science. Ironically, the first IPCC report was more conservative on the fossil fuel-climate change link than Exxon's own 1982 internal memo.
InsideClimate News has provided access to the primary source documents, worked with Frontline on a video, created a great timeline and cast of characters, and will have additional pieces coming out that will further expose the depth of Exxon's understanding of climate risk, and the potential legal liability they face for their failure to disclose that risk.
With only the initial piece published, it's too early to say anything for sure, but this impressive investigative work may win the small non-profit ICN its second Pulitzer Prize.
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