In the second installment of the documentary series The Power of Big Oil, FRONTLINE delves into the fossil fuel industry’s intricate web of doubt and delay regarding climate change. As evidence about the impact of climate change grew more certain in the new millennium, the industry actively worked to stall climate policy.

The fossil fuel giants, with their immense resources and influence, have a long history of casting doubt on scientific findings related to climate change. Their tactics include funding research that questions the consensus on global warming, promoting skepticism among policymakers, and sowing confusion among the public. By doing so, they aimed to undermine urgent action and maintain the status quo.

Despite mounting evidence pointing to the need for swift and decisive climate policies, the industry persisted in its efforts to obfuscate the truth. This deliberate strategy allowed them to continue extracting profits from fossil fuels while the planet faced escalating environmental challenges.

The documentary sheds light on the industry’s calculated maneuvers, revealing how it exploited uncertainty and manipulated public perception. As we grapple with the consequences of climate change, understanding the role of big oil in perpetuating doubt becomes crucial. Only by acknowledging these tactics can we work toward a more sustainable future that prioritizes the health of our planet over short-term gains.