Fossil fuel companies' funding of university research is delaying the transition to green energy, according to a new peer-reviewed study that identifies hundreds of cases where these firms influenced academic work.
Dharna Noor reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Researchers reviewed thousands of studies on industry-funded academic research, finding that few examined fossil fuel companies' influence.
- Oil and gas companies have poured money into climate research while maintaining roles on advisory boards, potentially skewing the focus toward preserving fossil fuel interests.
- The study urges universities to disclose fossil fuel donors and suggests increased public funding to reduce reliance on these companies.
Key quote:
"We want to warn scholars and university leaders that they can be pawns in a propaganda scheme."
— Geoffrey Supran, University of Miami associate professor.
Why this matters:
Fossil fuel firms' influence on research risks compromising the integrity of climate science. Transparency and public funding could mitigate conflicts of interest and protect academic independence.
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