Big oil spent decades sowing doubt about fossil fuel dangers, experts testify

Experts and lawmakers, during a Senate hearing, revealed a strategic shift by the fossil fuel industry from outright climate denial to more sophisticated disinformation campaigns aimed at protecting profits while undermining climate policy.

Dharna Noor reports for The Guardian.

In short:

A Senate report, backed by subpoenaed documents, showcases how the fossil fuel sector transitioned from denying climate change to deceiving the public through disinformation.
Lawmakers cited the industry's greenwashing efforts, emphasizing its dual messaging: acknowledging climate change privately while publicly downplaying it.
Democrats argued that oil companies should bear the financial burden of climate change impacts, rather than taxpayers.

Key quote:

“In my view, it should not be state government or the federal government having to pick up the bill. I think it’s time to ask the people who caused that problem, who lied about that situation, to pick up the bill.”

— Vermont Senator, Bernie Sanders

Why this matters:

The fossil fuel industry's influence on climate change narratives has impacted public understanding and delayed policy action, contributing to worsening climate crises. Read more: Climate change denial and me.

www.theguardian.com

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