Oil and gas lobbyists have deep pockets and access to politicians, but an EU ban could be in the pipeline
Something similar is already in place for the tobacco industry in order to safeguard public health.
- Something similar is already in place for the tobacco industry in order to safeguard public health.
- The European Parliament is set to examine what lessons can be learned to protect the environment from the harms associated with continued use of fossil fuels.
- Restrictions on tobacco lobbyists, known as the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), came into force in 2005 and are legally binding in 182 countries.
- Litigation in the US has shown that some of the major oil companies actively engaged in deception, denial and increasingly now delay tactics.
- But delaying policies to address the climate emergency pose a huge societal risk.
Dominating discussions
- Many leading climate scientists are growing increasingly concerned about the continued influence of oil and gas lobbyists.
- The industry still enjoys privileged access to the highest reaches of decision making in Europe.
- The EU’s delegation to the recent COP28 included over 130 oil and gas industry lobbyists.
- What happens with lobbying will give a sense of how Europe will grapple with the challenges of the transition to low carbon energy.
Will Dinan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.