Unmasking Big Oil: The Hidden History of Climate Deception
In this episode, we welcome Rebecca John, an investigative climate reporter at the Climate Investigation Center [https://climateinvestigations.org/] and the news outlet DeSmog. She has uncovered a series of alarming revelations about the oil industry's manipulation of public perception and climate science. We delve into the historical context of the oil and gas lobby, exploring how entities like the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) have influenced research and public opinion since the 1950s. From the origins of the Air Pollution Foundation to the ongoing battle against climate change, Rebecca sheds light on the intricate web of misinformation and the urgent need for public action. Support the Podcast via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url Archival documents published by The Guardian and DeSmog show that the Air Pollution Foundation — the front group WSPA created as a means of delaying clean air regulation implementation aimed at curbing deadly smog emissions in Los Angeles and statewide — led to the discovery of climate change. WSPA was the top funder of the Air Pollution Foundation, whose research concluded that atmospheric carbon could “ultimately prove of considerable significance to civilization.” For an extended interview and other benefits, become an EcoJustice Radio patron at https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio Resources: Revealed: Big Oil Told 70 Years Ago That Fossil Fuel Emissions Could Impact ‘Civilization’ - DeSmog https://www.desmog.com/2024/11/12/revealed-big-oil-told-70-years-ago-that-fossil-fuel-emissions-could-impact-civilization/ Rebecca John is a Research Fellow at the Climate Investigations Center [https://climateinvestigations.org/who_we_are/]. She is also a freelance investigative journalist and award-winning documentary filmmaker. As a Producer and Director of the acclaimed “Extreme Oil” / “Curse of Oil” [https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-curse-of-oil/] series for PBS /BBC. The Climate Investigations Center (CIC) was established in 2014 to monitor the individuals, corporations, trade associations, political organizations and front groups who work to delay the implementation of sound energy and environmental policies that are necessary in the face of ongoing climate crisis. Some of the issues our team monitors include: Efforts to stall the climate policy process by the fossil fuel industry and its allies Climate science denial campaigns spawned by industrial interests and their front groups The latest climate science impacts assessments and backlash against them Attribution science advances connecting climate impacts to global warming pollution Our Research and Energy units provide specialized research capabilities within the Climate Investigations Center Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes from a project on PBS SoCal called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs. Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/ Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/ Support the Podcast: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats Episode 250