Exxon Knew About Climate Change Almost 40 Years Ago
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Provided by: Scientific American|Published on: March 21, 2023
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed 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.
Subjects: Science, Economics, Civics, English Language Arts
Authors: Shannon Hall
Region: Global
Languages: English
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.
Scientist Notes
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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.
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