Throughout the 70s and even the early 80s, ExxonMobil (then Exxon), pioneered research on climate change. Propelled by key Exxon scientists, who encouraged the company to fund research into the (then only potential) effects of climate change, thousands of dollars were pumped into investigations on fossil fuels effects on the biosphere. By 1981, Exxon was pumping some $900,000 per year into climate change research.
However, this innovative period was short-lived: in 1982, major budget cuts occurred to Exxon’s climate change research, bringing the yearly budget for research to a mere $150,000. It was further cut the next year, making the division inconsequential. Soon, major research into the effect of CO2 on the ocean system was terminated. By the 90s, the company began placing seeds of doubt within the scientific community about climate changes volatility.
It wasn’t until 2015 that it was brought to light that Exxon had been concealing evidence of climate change. Legal documents released from the Bush era Whitehouse showed evidence of racketeering, all of which were compiled by an exposé style article from inside climate news. The evidence eventually culminated into two court major court cases against Exxon: one (which was recently ruled in favor of Exxon) from the New York state attorney’s office, and the other gathered plaintiffs from across California. Each accused the company of withholding their knowledge of the effects of climate change, thereby endangering the American people.
Understanding the history of these companies helps us understand their current rhetoric and stances. Today, Exxon may mark itself as a consistent martyr for climate change research, but having a broader image of the company's true history can make us all more aware as consumers and communicators.
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