Documents add to evidence in climate deception case against ExxonMobil
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Newly disclosed documents show Exxon scientists privately doubted the company's climate solutions.
Documents released in a Massachusetts lawsuit against ExxonMobil reveal internal skepticism about the company's promoted climate solutions. An Exxon scientist testified that a 2018 claim about producing 10,000 barrels of algae biofuel daily by 2025 was "completely impossible to achieve" and "patently false." Other documents show Exxon knew carbon capture faced high costs and lacked market incentives. A 1988 internal memo warned of "substantial negative impacts on Exxon" if climate action gained consensus, proposing strategies to protect fossil fuel assets and preserve business options.
What commenters are saying
Commenters expressed frustration that powerful actors like Exxon face no consequences despite clear evidence of deception. Several argued that the problem is systemic: capital protects the wealthy, the justice system serves money, and consumers have outsourced critical thinking. Some noted that earlier scandals (Epstein, Panama Papers) also produced little US accountability. A few pushed back, arguing the public does have power at the ballot box but chooses not to use it. The thread split between those who see a structural power problem and those who blame voter apathy.