Exxon Knew About Climate Change Almost 40 Years Ago
Provided by: Scientific American|Published on: March 21, 2023
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Science, Economics, Civics, English Language Arts
Authors: Shannon Hall
Region: Global
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This article from Scientific American explains the extent of Exxon's knowledge about carbon emissions and climate change in the 1970s and early 1980s.
- Students will learn about the investigation into Exxon and the steps the company took after completing their own research on global ocean and air temperatures.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This article lays out a strong argument regarding Exxon's knowledge of climate change and how their product negatively impacts the environment.
- Students will gain an understanding of the historical and environmental implications of Exxon's actions.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should understand the role fossil fuels play in climate change.
Differentiation
- This article could be used in social studies classes that are discussing how individual and collective choices can impact humanity.
- Economics and civics classes could use this article for a discussion or project about industries or businesses that pollute air, water, or land in indiscriminate ways and how to account for these externalities.
- Try using this article as a resource in a debate about if fossil fuel companies should be liable for the environmental damages resulting from the carbon emissions from their products.
- Create a class timeline using the board and sticky notes. Have students add events to the timeline as you read about them. Once the article and timeline are complete, have a class discussion reflecting on your findings.
This article discusses controversy surrounding Exxon Mobile, their knowledge of anthropogenic climate change, and how they allegedly promoted climate misconceptions to protect their business. The article does include quotes and information from scientists, and statements from Exxon Mobile leaders. It also briefly touches on the common comparison of this situation to that of the tobacco companies in the past (for more information on this, check out the documentary Merchants of Doubt). This resource is a good way to discuss climate myths and misinformation, as well as the importance of checking sources for biases and conflicts of interest. The information presented is accurate and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
