Shell made film warning about climate change in 1991
A film made by Shell in 1991 warning of the dangers of climate change has been discovered by Dutch online journalism platform, the Correspondent. “Climate of Concern” outlined the scientific consensus supporting belief in global warming and explored the serious consequences of such warming. The film remained unseen for years, but was originally intended for public viewings in schools and universities. Shell has been widely criticised for lobbying against climate action and investing in fossil fuels. The newly discovered film will heighten accusations that the company was aware of the environmental impact of its actions but failed to tackle them.

Oil giant Shell has spent millions of dollars lobbying against measures that would protect the planet from climate catastrophe. But thanks to a film recently obtained by De Correspondent, it’s now clear that their position wasn’t born of ignorance. Shell knows that fossil fuels put us all at risk – in fact, they’ve known for over a quarter of a century. Climate of Concern, a 1991 educational film produced by Shell, warned that the company’s own product could lead to extreme weather, floods, famines, and climate refugees, and noted that the reality of climate change was "endorsed by a uniquely broad consensus of scientists."

The question, ladies and gentlemen, is what did Shell know and when did they know it. De Correspondent would like to enter into evidence Exhibit A: Climate of Concern.

Vimeo Climate of Concern: The film Shell made in 1991 to warn about climate change (30 min.)

The Climate of Concern stories are the result of over a year of investigative reporting by Jelmer Mommers You can find Jelmer’s original reconstruction here (in Dutch). for De Correspondent. For the English-language version of the main report, we teamed up with the Guardian’s Environment Editor Damian Carrington, You can find the Guardian piece here. who conducted additional research and covered the story for his outlet.

More on Climate of Concern:

If Shell knew climate change was dire 25 years ago, why still business as usual today? A film obtained by De Correspondent reveals that Shell had detailed knowledge on the dangers of climate change more than a quarter of a century ago. Confidential Shell documents date back even further. Yet the oil giant continues to invest in fossil fuels and undermine any ambitious climate action. Read Jelmer and Damian’s piece here

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