Exxon financed thinktanks to undermine climate action in Latin America
Documents have revealed that the Texas-based fossil fuel company Exxon secretly funded a network of conservative thinktanks to promote climate denial across Latin America. The data shows a deliberate effort to weaken global cooperation on climate policy.
Funding the Atlas Network
Exxon provided financial support to the Atlas Network, a U.S.-based alliance of over 500 free-market thinktanks worldwide. The organization played a central role in amplifying narratives against human-caused climate change.
Coordinated campaign against the UN climate process
According to previously unpublished records, the campaign aimed to make countries in the global south "less inclined" to back the UN-led climate treaty process. Internal correspondence between Exxon and Atlas Network detailed how the funds were distributed and the intended outcomes.
Specific actions financed by Exxon
- Translations into Spanish and Chinese of English-language books denying human-driven climate change.
- Funding flights for American climate skeptics to multiple Latin American cities.
- Public events connecting these denial voices with local media and politicians.
“The goal was to persuade the developing world of the adverse effects of global climate change treaties,” stated Atlas Network in communications with its fossil fuel donor.
Evidence documented in correspondence
The documents included scans of cheques sent by Exxon and extensive communication records, substantiating the long-term financial and ideological collaboration between the company and Atlas Network.
Author's summary: Declassified records show Exxon financed Atlas Network to promote climate skepticism in Latin America, undermining international efforts to curb global warming.