A leaked investigation reveals that ExxonMobil has secretly funded climate denial campaigns across Latin America through Atlas Network, a US-based group of free-market thinktanks. The documents show that the oil giant provided funding for translations of books denying human-caused climate change, flights for American climate deniers to attend seminars in Latin America, and events to network with politicians.
The goal was to convince developing countries that global climate change treaties pose an “adverse effect”. Exxon’s investment helped finance the work of thinktanks like Atlas Network, which aimed to influence government policies. The funding also supported events featuring American climate deniers, including Patrick Michaels, who referred to climate change as “hysteria”.
This behind-the-scenes campaign is part of a larger history of Exxon’s efforts to discredit climate science and block US participation in UN-led climate treaties. The investigation has uncovered previously unpublished documents showing the extent of Exxon’s funding for climate denial activities across Latin America.
Climate scientists warn that this 30-year-old campaign has had lasting consequences, exacerbating geopolitical faultlines and economic fears about climate change. As Brazil prepares to host the Cop30 climate negotiations in November, the urgency to address global emissions and deforestation becomes increasingly clear.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/03/exxon-funded-thinktanks-to-spread-climate-denial-in-latin-america-documents-reveal