Uncovering Big Oil’s Ongoing Deception: Insights from Experts in the Honolulu Climate Case | Center for Climate Integrity

Honolulu is taking on Big Oil, claiming that these companies have misled the public about climate change for decades. Back in 2020, the city sued major players like ExxonMobil and Shell for the harm their products have caused. The oil companies argue that the time to bring this case has passed. However, Honolulu strongly disagrees.

Recently, a judge listened to arguments on whether the oil companies’ misleading actions affect the case today or belong to the past. Experts stepped in, sharing their views and evidence about how the fossil fuel industry has misrepresented climate change.

Harvard’s Naomi Oreskes, who studies how misinformation spreads in connection with climate change, noted significant gaps between what oil companies say publicly and what they know privately. Even though research has shown that fossil fuels lead to climate change, these companies have sometimes claimed that the evidence is unclear. Oreskes highlighted that despite knowing the truth, companies like Exxon have promoted uncertainty, impacting public belief. From 1992 to 1994, a poll showed belief in climate change dropped from 68% to 57%, influenced by these misleading narratives.

A 2017 study co-authored by Oreskes revealed another striking fact: While most of ExxonMobil’s internal documents accepted that climate change is real, only a small fraction of their advertising communicated this truth to the public.

Other experts have also weighed in. Melissa Aronczyk from Rutgers pointed out that fossil fuel companies often present themselves as environmentally friendly, even as they lobby against stronger climate regulations. She called this “greenwashing”—a tactic used to divert attention from their harmful practices.

Climatologist Raymond Bradley added that these companies have misrepresented their commitments to reduce emissions and align with the Paris Agreement.

A recent report from the Senate and House confirmed these findings, stating that the fossil fuel industry has moved from denying climate science to using disinformation strategies. This pattern of deception, according to the report, continues to shape how the public sees climate change.

Honolulu is now waiting for a judge’s ruling on whether their case can proceed to trial. As this legal battle plays out, it highlights the ongoing struggle between environmental accountability and corporate interests.



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