Universities: cut research links with fossil-fuel companies
Many scientists choose to involve fossil-fuel companies in academic research, assuming that those companies approach the climate crisis in good faith. But that assumption is tenuous (see, for example, D. Almond et al. Nature Clim. Change 12, 1122–1128; 2022). We urge academic institutions to re-evaluate their fossil-fuel connections.
A study last year of 52 global oil and gas companies revealed that only one had policies aligned with the target to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels (S. Dietz et al. Science 374, 405–408; 2021). Furthermore, companies with vested interests could distort policy advice, for example by apparently amplifying pro-fossil-fuel voices (B. Franta Environ. Polit. 31, 555–575; 2021). Or they could skew research agendas, for instance if they prioritize funding for fossil-fuel technologies over zero-carbon alternatives (P. D. Thacker BMJ 378, o2095; 2022).
Any manipulation of research agendas and outcomes is unacceptable. To avoid impeding climate action and to produce reliable climate research, universities should consider more neutral sources of research funding.
Nature 612, 404 (2022)
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-04404-x