Newly unearthed documents show major oil companies, including Shell and precursors to Chevron, ExxonMobil, and BP, were warned about the climate impacts of fossil fuels as early as 1954. The revelation comes from memos by the Air Pollution Foundation, an industry group founded in 1953 to address public concerns over Los Angeles smog but also to counter pollution regulations.
Researchers had already linked hydrocarbon pollution from cars and refineries to smog, prompting calls for stricter controls. Despite public claims to address the crisis, the foundation’s memos reveal efforts to downplay fossil fuel harm—a tactic still seen today, says climate disinformation expert Geoffrey Supran. This evidence underscores decades of oil industry denial and deflection during crucial moments for climate action. Read More
News Credit: The Guardian
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