Koch Industries: Secretly Funding the Climate Denial Machine

Greenpeace identifies 1997 as a pivotal year in the global battle against climate change. This period marked increased coordinated opposition to climate negotiations, particularly those leading to the Kyoto Protocol of 1998. As defined by Greenpeace, climate change denial refers to “anyone obstructing, delaying, or derailing policy measures that align with the scientific consensus calling for urgent action to decarbonize the economy.”

While outright denial of climate science has waned, many modern lobbyists now focus on undermining viable solutions. These include policies like imposing costs on industrial carbon pollution, promoting energy efficiency, and advancing clean alternatives to fossil fuels. These actions serve to delay critical steps necessary to combat climate change effectively.

The Koch Brothers and Climate Change Denial

Charles and David Koch have been at the forefront of financing efforts to sow doubt about global warming. Through nonprofit organizations like DonorsTrust and Donors Capital Fund, they have funneled significant amounts of money to campaigns that obscure their involvement while undermining climate action.

Greenpeace focuses on the Koch brothers because their approach is unique among climate denial financiers. While other foundations linked to corporate wealth, such as those associated with Anschutz, Bradley, Coors, and Scaife, also support climate denial groups, the Kochs stand out for several reasons.

• Corporate Roots in Fossil Fuels: Koch Industries, their privately held corporation, has deep historical ties to the fossil fuel industry.
• Building Political Networks: Over decades, the Kochs have invested heavily in creating an extensive political influence network, coordinating with other wealthy individuals and corporations to funnel massive amounts of money into politics.
• Unmatched Financial Commitment: The scale and focus of their contributions to climate denial are unparalleled.

David Koch once described Koch Industries as “the biggest company you’ve never heard of.” Today, their operations' secrecy has diminished, exposing the $79 million they have directed to climate-denial front groups, many of which are affiliated with the State Policy Network.

The Koch Agenda: Delaying Climate Action

The Koch brothers’ investments in delaying climate policies are deeply tied to their financial interests. Koch Industries, the second-largest privately held company in the United States, has a history of environmental violations and a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Their wealth and influence have allowed them to fund campaigns that resist regulations to reduce carbon emissions.

Their involvement in co-opting political movements, such as the Tea Party, has been well-documented, demonstrating how corporate interests have infiltrated grassroots organizations to promote anti-climate agendas.

Growing Resistance

Awareness of the Koch brothers’ role in obstructing climate action has grown significantly. This increased scrutiny has led to stronger resistance from individuals, organizations, and advocacy groups across the United States. As more people recognize the destructive influence of their agenda, efforts to hold them accountable have intensified.

Exposing Climate Denial Networks

Greenpeace continues to uncover and expose the connections between climate denial front groups and the billionaires funding their efforts. The organization aims to dismantle the networks delaying climate action and empower communities to demand urgent, science-based solutions by illuminating the secretive financing that fuels these campaigns. The fight against climate change denial is far from over, but growing awareness and resistance provide hope for meaningful progress in the battle for a sustainable future.