Context: In 1977, Exxon researchers gave executives a definitive report that burning fossil fuels was causing climate change. Exxon went on to spend at least $30 million funding public skepticism about climate change and lobbying against federal action.
More than half of the world’s industrial carbon emissions have been produced since 1977. ExxonMobil’s 2018 earnings were $20.8 billion.
“… “I’m taking action because I feel desperate,” said U.S. climate scientist Peter Kalmus, who along with several others locked himself to the front door of a JPMorgan Chase building in Los Angeles. A recent report found that the financial giant is the biggest private funder of oil and gas initiatives in the world.
“It’s the 11th hour in terms of Earth breakdown, and I feel terrified for my kids, and terrified for humanity,” Kalmus continued. “World leaders are still expanding the fossil fuel industry as fast as they can, but this is insane. The science clearly indicates that everything we hold dear is at risk, including even civilization itself and the wonderful, beautiful, cosmically precious life on this planet. I actually don’t get how any scientist who understands this could possibly stay on the sidelines at this point.” …”
