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Trending: The Denial Files: 2. Big oil in the dock

Factual

The Denial Files

30/10/2021 GMT

2. Big oil in the dock

BBC World Service - Trending, The Denial Files, 2. Big oil in the dock

Is the fossil fuel industry misleading the public about its role in climate change?

Is big oil trying to mislead the public about what it’s doing about climate change?

Is big oil trying to mislead the public about what it’s doing about climate change?

Several US states are suing some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, accusing them of “greenwashing”.

They claim the fossil fuel industry is deceiving consumers about how much it’s actually doing to tackle climate change.

Accusations which are strongly denied by the companies who may face having to make huge compensation payouts if they lose in court.

At the heart of many of these cases are adverts which highlight how energy giants are supporting greener, more sustainable solutions, but do not mention their much greater investment in developing new oil and gas fields.

Questions about this alleged deception have now entered the political arena with big oil’s top brass being invited to appear before the US Congress.

So, why do these lawsuits matter so much? In this episode, we head to Massachusetts where one such case is playing out in the courts.

Trending: The Denial Files

How disinformation and denial are threatening the fight to prevent climate catastrophe.

Does the battle to prevent catastrophic climate change depend on winning the information war? 

In a special series coinciding with the crucial Cop 26 summit, BBC Trending investigates how disinformation and denial are threatening efforts to combat man-made climate change in different ways around the world. 

The overwhelming weight of global scientific opinion agrees that humanity is at a turning point where only urgent and dramatic action will save the planet from disaster. 

But even as evidence of the dangers mounts up, the push to avert crisis is under attack on a range of fronts. 

This series will explore how vested interests are adopting new tactics to delay, block, or distract attention from what science says needs to be done. And it will examine the role of social media in spreading baseless conspiracy theories that warp debate with potential real life consequences. 

The series will also speak to the scientists and activists who are determined to fight back against the disinformation before it’s too late.

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2. Big oil in the dock

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