Shell’s foundation funded groups opposing climate action and LGBTQ+ rights

Shell USA's foundation gave more than $500,000 to right-wing organizations that promote climate denial, anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ agendas, including several involved in Project 2025, which aims to weaken federal agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Geoff Dembicki reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• Shell’s foundation donated to at least 21 conservative groups opposing climate action and promoting right-wing agendas.
• Donations included significant funds to organizations linked to Project 2025, advocating for drastic changes to the U.S. government.
• The foundation claims it does not endorse any organizations and that donations are employee-driven.

Key quote:

“They’re all certainly working in the rightwing policy and propaganda space.”

— Peter Montgomery, research director at People for the American Way

Why this matters:

These donations align Shell with groups that could undermine climate policy, despite public commitments to sustainability. Such actions highlight the complex relationships between corporate philanthropy and political influence.

Related EHN coverage:

• Shell scales back its climate goals amid business growth
• Big oil companies fail climate goals and profit from war
• Oil industry's emissions may lead to extensive heat fatalities