Climate Obstruction

Overview & Synopsis

Climate obstruction involves intentional actions and efforts to slow or block policies on climate change that are commensurate with the current scientific consensus of what is necessary to avoid dangerous human interference with the climate system. With thirty-one lead authors coordinating twelve teams of more than one hundred total authors, this first-of-its-kind volume reviews obstruction efforts undertaken by fossil fuel industries, utilities, the transportation sector, agribusinesses, public relations firms, and organizations on the political far right. The chapters also examine the role and effects of the media in disseminating climate disinformation and misinformation. They assess climate obstruction efforts at the subnational level, in United Nations negotiations, across the Global South, and those aimed at adaptation. Finally, the reviews explore efforts to curb climate obstruction, including regulation and litigation as well as civil-society movements. This assessment shows that as climate action becomes globalized, efforts to obstruct it have become more deceptive, widespread, well-funded, and dangerous.