95
knowledge about the entire earth system that exists today. Scientific
inquiry has to include natural, geophysical and geochemical cycles
responsible for the changing concentrations of atmospheric gases, the
systems of winds, the patterns of ocean currents, and the changing
weather (including rain, evaporation and clouds), as well as the role
of humans and every other plant, animal and biological form of life on
earth.450
In 1998, the API prepared a “Global Climate Science Communications Action Plan,”451 which
enumerated the strategies and tactics it will employ to undermine the Kyoto Protocol and
climate science. Three (3) of its major strategies are as follows:
1. “National Media Relations Program: Develop and implement a national
media relations program to inform the media about uncertainties in
climate science; to generate national, regional and local media coverage
on the scientific uncertainties, and thereby educate and inform the
public, stimulating them to raise questions with policy makers;”452
2. “Global Climate Science Information Sources: Develop and implement
a program to inject credible science and scientific accountability into the
global climate debate, thereby raising questions about and undercutting
the ‘prevailing scientific wisdom.’ The strategy will have the added
benefit of providing a platform for credible, constructive criticism of
the opposition’s position on the science;”453
3. “National Direct Outreach and Education: Develop and implement
a direct outreach program to inform and educate members of
Congress, state officials, industry leadership, and school teachers/
students about uncertainties in climate science. This strategy will be
able to raise such serious questions about the Kyoto treaty’s scientific
underpinnings that American policy-makers not only will refuse to
endorse it, they will seek to prevent progress toward implementation
at the Buenos Aires meeting in November or through other ways.
Informing teachers/students about uncertainties in climate action will
450
Id. at 79.
451
Global Climate Science Communications Action Plan dated 3 April 1998 from Exhibit AAAAAAA to
AAAAAAA-1, Climate Files Post Index prepared by Climate Investigations Center with links to copies
of the actual documents, available at http://www.climatefiles.com/trade-group/american-petroleuminstitute/1998-global-climate-science-communications-team-action-plan/ (last accessed Mar. 5,
2020).
452
Id. at 4.
453
Id. at 5.
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