Elite US universities benefit from fossil fuel money despite climate concerns
Student reports reveal that six top US universities have accepted over $100 million from fossil fuel companies, sparking accusations of conflicts of interest.
Dharna Noor reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Princeton University has allegedly earned millions from its stakes in a petroleum company, despite claiming climate leadership.
- Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy received over $15 million from the fossil fuel sector, potentially influencing its research.
- The Campus Climate Network claims these financial ties delay efforts to phase out fossil fuels at these institutions.
Key quote:
“Fossil fuel companies are hijacking our universities to perpetuate their own toxic industry, and we students are not having it anymore.”
— Will Kattrup, research lead at Campus Climate Network
Why this matters:
Fossil fuel donations can compromise academic integrity by introducing bias into climate research. As universities are trusted institutions, their partnerships with fossil fuel companies can delay meaningful climate action and mislead the public about the urgency of phasing out oil and gas.
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