Decades-old oil industry magazine predicted climate crisis, starvation

In 1977, a publication by a predecessor of Marathon Petroleum warned that rising global temperatures could cause severe economic and social disruptions, including widespread starvation.

Geoff Dembicki reports for The Guardian.

In short:

The 1977 article from Marathon Petroleum's predecessor predicted climate-related disasters due to industrial expansion.
The lawsuit claims Marathon and other companies concealed their knowledge of climate risks for decades.
Marathon is accused of opposing climate policies while privately acknowledging the dangers of carbon emissions.

Key quote:

"The climate is not going to get better, only worse. Over the long haul, we are going to have to brace ourselves for the prospect of a lot of poor harvests."

— J Murray Mitchell, NOAA scientist

Why this matters:

Companies like Marathon Petroleum knew about climate change risks long ago but continued to prioritize profit over environmental responsibility. Understanding this history is vital for holding them accountable and addressing current climate challenges.

www.theguardian.com

Decades-old oil industry magazine predicted climate crisis, starvation

Data centers are ‘front and center’ in Pennsylvania’s competitive congressional elections

Losing ground in the climate fight

Heat killed ‘staggering’ 50,000 people in Europe’s cities this summer, scientists warn

The hidden history of how Big Oil invented the American Dream

Oil and tech money back measure to limit California environmental law

The case for low-carbon bamboo fuel starts at $2.75 a gallon

In Honduras, hard hit by drought, authorities hope to make it rain using contentious tactic

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.