Climate Skeptics Gather As Exxon Mobil Withdraws Funding

More than 600 people who doubt that humans are the main cause of global warming gathered in New York City, but Exxon Mobil — a previous financial backer of so-called climate skeptics — is no longer underwriting the group sponsoring the conference. The New York Times reported that Exxon Mobil, which donated $600,000 to the Heartland Institute in the past decade, has ceased funding the group because its position on climate change could “divert attention” from more serious issues. Some scientists who have led the effort questioning the human role in global warming warned fellow skeptics not to distort facts or cling to erroneous notions, such as a contention by one climate contrarian that CO2 is not a greenhouse gas. The theme of this year’s conference is “Global Warming: Was It Ever A Crisis?” and among the speakers are Czech Republic president Vaclav Klaus and former Apollo astronaut Harrison Schmitt. Joseph L. Bast, president of Heartland Institute, said some companies are shifting their stance on climate change and “painting themselves green” to improve their public image. But despite the loss of Exxon Mobil money, he said the institute has seen a rise in contributions.