What are the basics of the science behind the climate crisis? How do we combat misinformation about that science? What did Big Oil know about the climate crisis, and when? And how do we hold it accountable?

This week’s guest, Kelly Sanks, gives us the basics of the science and shares insights into Big Oil’s deception. Kelly is the climate science lead at the Center for Climate Integrity (CCI). CCI uses expertise in science, law, advocacy, research, and strategic communications to help communities hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their climate deception and the disasters that have followed.

Our conversation started with the science of the climate crisis. I asked Kelly to break it down for me as if I were a seventh-grade science student. She gave helpful explanations we can all use in our elevator speeches about the science of the climate crisis. Kelly explained how excess CO2 and methane from burning fossil fuels intensify heat, extreme rainfall, flooding, sea-level rise, and other cascading impacts. We discussed how countries and people that contribute the least to the climate crisis are already facing worsening impacts.

Then we got into the really juicy stuff—lies, deception, and cover-ups—oh my! What sounds like the tagline from a bad reality TV show is the reality of the fossil fuel industry. Kelly explained that documentation shows the fossil fuel industry knew the devastation it was causing—the industry wrote the report itself! Despite that knowledge, it kept going, driven by profits rather than the public good. Kelly and I ended by talking about how to hold the industry accountable, including by supporting climate-deception lawsuits and opposing legal immunity for fossil fuel companies. When you find out how deep this deception runs, you’ll get pissed off. Let that motivate you to help take this industry DOWN!

Listen now to find out how Kelly has been unwinding lately!

Find out more about Kelly's work at The Center for Climate Integrity: climateintegrity.org/about/people/kelly-sanks

Support the podcast: patreon.com/c/unwindmovementmedia

Find zines, take classes with Carly, and more: unwindmovementmedia.com

Follow on Substack: unwindmovementmedia.substack.com

Resources mentioned in the show:

• "Republicans Are Trying to Give Big Oil Immunity for Causing Climate Chaos"
• "As climate lawsuits advance, the oil industry enters ‘panic mode’"
• Climate Files
• Info about the Montana youth climate case
• Look around The Center for Climate Integrity website for tons of resources!

Music produced by M Baxley of Bear Witness Media