On The Media: Exxon's History of Climate Change Research

Physical: Science has proven that the use of fossil fuels has a negative effect on the world’s environment. Temperatures are rising, ice is melting, and science has deduced that the burning of fossil fuels is a factor in why this is all happening.

Psychological: By denying that the burning of fossil fuels effects the environment, Exxon is playing a part in the misinformation that the public is receiving. Questioning and denying the scientific research that has been done on global climate change, will no doubt, have adverse effects on our environment’s future. The way I see it, it’s like going to the doctor and getting a diagnosis of cancer and choosing to deny it, and not work to get it fixed. The consequences would no doubt be fatal.
Social: Exxon Mobile directed millions of dollars to dozens of front groups that worked to seed public doubt on the atmospheric impact of burning fossil fuels. They wanted to make it seem like the environment is okay. They have taken the approach that there is not enough evidence, and the scientific research is not solid enough to make such potentially costly economic changes in their business.

Temporal: 1970’s to current day. In the early stages of the conversation, Exxon’s scientists were at the forefront of doing research, and they were sounding alarms. Something changed, and Exxon saw this happening, and knew that eventually laws and limitations would be put in place on how fossil fuels were used, and they wanted to have a say in what was going to happen.

Cultural: I think that sometimes our society is pretty gullible, and many people don’t like to put the time in to do the research themselves, so they just listen to whatever they’re told. Like we often say, no matter if it’s right or wrong, the loudest voice is the one that gets heard. It’s really important to let the facts be known, and from this broadcast, it seems like Exxon is trying to prevent that from happening.

As I listened to this broadcast, I couldn't help but wonder if the heads of Exxon have children. I get trying to keep a business successful. That's how businesses usually work... but even if you're the richest man on the world, it doesn't matter if the world is an unlivable place. I wonder if they've considered the ramifications of their actions. I think that the state of our environment should be taken more seriously, especially by companies that have influence like this one does.