Jubilee Post News & Views
- A new report unmasks the deceptive social media campaigns
Dr.Seema Javed
framing carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a “silver bullet” solution to climate change.
A groundbreaking analysis from Climate Action Against Disinformation (CAAD), has exposed a pervasive and calculated campaigns on social media by fossil fuel interests to manipulate the narrative around climate change solutions, with a particular focus on exaggerating the potential of Carbon Capture and Storage(CCS).
The study found that fossil fuel companies are spending millions of dollars on online advertising and PR campaigns to promote CCS as a silver bullet solution to climate change. including:
● Targeting social media platforms with paid-for ads. For example, Chevron spent
$1.8 million on TikTok ads promoting CCS and its “renewable gasoline blend.”
● Influencing search results with greenwashing content. Paid-for content from
fossil fuel companies often appears at the top of Google searches for “carbon
capture.”
● Using deceptive messaging to portray CCS as a silver bullet solution to climate
change. Fossil fuel companies often claim that CCS can allow them to continue
operating without reducing their emissions.
False Solutions : A Snapshot of Lobbying Activity
The report delves into the lobbying activity surrounding false solutions, particularly CCS,
during and preceding COP28. It exposes the tactics employed by companies to control the
narrative through both paid-for and ‘organic’ content, targeting a mainstream audience.
While the investigation primarily covers activities during COP28, it warns that the issue is
likely more widespread and concerning on a global scale.
With climate crisis awareness rising globally, outright climate denial is losing ground,
leading the fossil fuel lobby to adapt its tactics. Rather than denying climate change, the
the lobby is attempting to rebrand itself as a key player in solving the crisis, portraying CCS as
a ‘silver-bullet’ solution. CCS is a technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from
power plants and other industrial facilities and stores them underground. However, the
technology is still in its early stages of development and has not been proven to be
scalable or cost-effective.
Manipulating Public Perception for Fossil Fuel Use
While CCS may be crucial for specific sectors, the report emphasizes that it is used more
broadly to weaken Net Zero targets and justify ongoing investments in oil, fossil gas, and
other polluting fuels.
This misalignment with scientific recommendations from organizations like the International Energy Agency and IPCC is concerning, especially as countries prepare for the next round of Nationally-Determined Contributions for 2025.
“Fossil fuel companies are spending millions of dollars on online advertising and PR campaigns to promote CCS. They use misleading aesthetics and communication styles on social media platforms, including Google and YouTube, by Chevron, ExxonMobil, Saudi
Aramco, BP, Enbridge, and Shell.
This report sheds light on the urgent need to critically evaluate the framing of CCS as a
climate solution and its implications for global efforts to combat climate change.
The fossil fuel lobby’s attempt to exaggerate CCS highlights the importance of transparent
and informed public discourse to ensure meaningful climate action. The full report can be accessed here.
About Climate Action Against Disinformation
Climate Action Against Disinformation (CAAD) is a global coalition of over 50 organizations working to identify, analyze, and counter climate disinformation worldwide. The coalition aims to protect the public and information integrity on climate change from disinformation and by promoting evidence-based climate communication and holding those responsible for spreading false information accountable. CAAD also works to build the capacity of journalists, educators, and other communicators to effectively engage with climate disinformation.
