In a world increasingly aware of the climate crisis, the role of the fossil fuel industry in shaping public perception and policy cannot be overlooked. In this EcoJustice Radio episode, we welcome Rebecca John, a research fellow and investigative climate reporter at the Climate Investigation Center. Rebecca brings to light a series of revelations about Big Oil and its historical manipulation of climate science.
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Unmasking Big Oil: The Hidden History of Climate Deception
In this episode, we welcome Rebecca John, an investigative climate reporter at the Climate Investigation Center [https://climateinvestigations.org/] and the news outlet DeSmog. She has uncovered a series of alarming revelations about the oil industry’s manipulation of public perception and climate science. We delve into the historical context of the oil and gas lobby, exploring how starting in the 1940s, entities like the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) have influenced research and public opinion. From the origins of the Air Pollution Foundation to the ongoing battle against climate change, Rebecca sheds light on the intricate web of misinformation and the urgent need for public action.
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Astroturf Groups Misinform the Public
The conversation begins with a dive into the origins of the oil industry’s lobbying efforts, particularly through entities like the Western States Petroleum Association. This group has evolved but remains a powerful force in shaping environmental policy. Rebecca highlights how the smog crisis in Los Angeles during the 1950s led to increased scrutiny of the oil industry, prompting a response that included the establishment of the Air Pollution Foundation. This organization was ostensibly created to address air quality issues but was, in fact, a front group serving the interests of the oil industry.
Archival documents published by The Guardian and DeSmog show that the Air Pollution Foundation — the front group WSPA created as a means of delaying clean air regulation implementation aimed at curbing deadly smog emissions in Los Angeles and statewide — led to the discovery of climate change. WSPA was the top funder of the Air Pollution Foundation, whose research concluded that atmospheric carbon could “ultimately prove of considerable significance to civilization.”
STORY: California: Big Oil AstroTurf Subverts Clean Air and Fuel Standards
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Rebecca’s research reveals that the Air Pollution Foundation was involved in sponsoring scientific studies aimed at deflecting blame for air pollution away from fossil fuels and onto other sources. This tactic of misinformation has persisted, with the industry employing similar strategies to downplay the risks associated with climate change. For instance, the first documented warning about the climate risks of burning fossil fuels was issued in 1954 by a Caltech scientist, yet this crucial information was largely ignored by industry leaders.
Activism is the Key
As we navigate the complexities of climate change today, Rebecca emphasizes the importance of public protest and activism. The history of environmental movements shows that significant change often arises from grassroots efforts. The episode discusses current climate lawsuits, including those targeting major oil companies for their role in funding climate denialism, illustrating that the fight against fossil fuel influence is ongoing.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the power of public action and the need for accountability in the face of corporate interests. The episode serves as a call for individuals to engage in activism and advocate for sustainable policies that prioritize the health of our planet.
Join us as we unpack these critical issues and learn how we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future. Tune in to hear Rebecca’s insights and be inspired to take action!
Resources:
Revealed: Big Oil Told 70 Years Ago That Fossil Fuel Emissions Could Impact ‘Civilization’ – DeSmog
https://www.desmog.com/2024/11/12/revealed-big-oil-told-70-years-ago-that-fossil-fuel-emissions-could-impact-civilization/
Rebecca John is a Research Fellow at the Climate Investigations Center [https://climateinvestigations.org/who_we_are/]. She is also a freelance investigative journalist and award-winning documentary filmmaker. As a Producer and Director of the acclaimed “Extreme Oil” / “Curse of Oil” [https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-curse-of-oil/] series for PBS /BBC.
The Climate Investigations Center (CIC) was established in 2014 to monitor the individuals, corporations, trade associations, political organizations and front groups who work to delay the implementation of sound energy and environmental policies that are necessary in the face of ongoing climate crisis.
Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes a column on PBS SoCal called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs.
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Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt
Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats
Episode 253
Photo credit: Rebecca John
Updated 4 September 2025
