Benjamin Franta

Scientists warned the federal government about fossil fuels and global warming in the 1960s. So why have we made such little progress in halting the growing threat? My research answers this question and offers solutions for making progress in stopping the danger before us. I study the history of climate denial, disinformation, and delay, including their origins, funders, operatives, and strategies. I investigate the history and behavior of fossil fuel producers, including what they knew about global warming science and when, what they told the public, and how they've influenced policy. And I analyze what legal strategies may be effective in holding fossil fuel companies accountable for the effects of their products. I seek to inform litigation efforts and the public of the history that has led us to the present. With this knowledge, we can overcome policy delay and halt disastrous climate change in our lifetimes.