The Guardian recently published a fairly shocking article, presenting uncovered evidence that confirms the fossil fuel industry had been aware of the danger of climate change, and fossil fuels/carbon dioxide’s direct role in it, since 1954. These documents, discovered at the Caltech archives, the US National Archives, and UCSD, show that research conducted at Caltech (by Charles Keeling, who would go on to continue to study global carbon dioxide and its effects for his career) was funded by a fossil fuel interest group, and the results – which showed dire consequences of carbon dioxide production – shared directly with the industry.
Directions: Read the entire article, ‘Smoking gun proof’: fossil fuel industry knew of climate danger as early as 1954, documents show,Links to an external site. and then answer the questions below: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/30/fossil-fuel-industry-air-pollution-fund-research-caltech-climate-change-denial
Based on the article’s timeline of events, what specific instances or evidence does it provide to illustrate the fossil fuel industry’s awareness of environmental issues since 1954?
The article outlines the fossil fuel industry’s awareness of environmental concerns dating back to 1954, yet there has been a persistent trend of denial or refusal to take substantial action by this industry. What factors do you think contribute to this apparent contradiction (their obvious awareness, and yet complete inaction) within the fossil fuel industry?
The article discusses the fossil fuel industry’s funding of research at Caltech, which could be seen by some as a conflict of interest – if the fossil fuel industry could potentially influence scientific studies on climate change. Do you think that this could affect the integrity of scientific research, and what measures can be implemented to ensure scientific independence and transparency?
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