Coronavirus and Climate Science Denial

 

 

Message From the Editor

There’s a lot of misinformation flying around about the coronavirus pandemic and the risks it poses. And as Sharon Kelly has found, some of that is coming from groups with a history of climate science denial.

Just before COVID-19 closures and cancellations started ramping up in the U.S., Julie Dermansky was taking photos in the Permian Basin, one of the busiest oil patches in America. There, it’s easy to see how much patriotism gets mixed with support for the fracking industry, which is expected to receive various bailouts from the Trump administration despite its financial struggles that predate the recent oil price war and pandemic.

One of the major environmental challenges even oil companies have acknowledged is their methane problem. Justin Mikulka dives into why ExxonMobil, which has released huge amounts of methane, is now proposing rules for reigning in this potent heat-trapping gas.

Have a story tip or feedback? Get in touch: editor@desmogblog.com. 

Thanks,
Brendan DeMelle
Executive Director