123. 1 The following images are examples of ICE-funded print advertisements 2 challenging the validity of climate science and intended to obscure the scientific consensus on 3 anthropogenic climate change and induce political inertia to address it.103 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 124. 14 In 1996, Exxon released a publication called “Global Warming: Who’s Right? 15 Facts about a debate that’s turned up more questions than answers.” In the publication’s preface, 16 Exxon CEO Lee Raymond stated that “taking drastic action immediately is unnecessary since 17 many scientists agree there’s ample time to better understand the climate system.” The subsequent 18 article described the greenhouse effect as “unquestionably real and definitely a good thing,” while 19 ignoring the severe consequences that would result from the influence of the increased CO2 20 concentration on Earth’s climate. Instead, it characterized the greenhouse effect as simply “what 21 makes the earth’s atmosphere livable.” Directly contradicting their own internal reports and peer- 22 reviewed science, the article ascribed the rise in temperature since the late 19th century to “natural 23 fluctuations that occur over long periods of time” rather than to the anthropogenic emissions that 24 Exxon and other scientists had confirmed were responsible. The article also falsely challenged the 25 computer models that projected the future impacts of unabated fossil fuel product consumption, 26 including those developed by Exxon’s own employees, as having been “proved to be inaccurate.” 27 The article contradicted the numerous reports circulated among Exxon’s staff, and by the API, by 28 SHER EDLING LLP 103 Union of Concerned Scientists, Deception Dossier #5, supra note 98. COMPLAINT 55