Climate change fuelled debates on whether it is really happening or not. As doubts among Americans rise in the past years, fossil fuel companies were blamed for funding researches that downplay the effects of climate change to the environment. Amid the ExxonKnew scandal, oil giant Exxon Mobil Corp. announces it is hiring a climate researcher.
Six of the country's oil giants, including Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Shell, received letters of demand from the U.S. House of Representatives to answer questions if they were involved with studies that spread disinformation about climate science.
"We are alarmed by reports stating that Exxon (becoming ExxonMobil in 1999) hid the truth about the role of fossil fuels in influencing climate change and intentionally spread disinformation about climate science," according to the letter (PDF) signed by 45 Democratic representatives.
Investigations alleged that the company knew about climate change decades ago, but top executives decided to hide the truth and instead, "embarked on a massive campaign of disinformation."
The U.S. House inquiry led by Reps. Ted Lieu, D-Calif. and Peter Welch, D-Vt. dealt with how multiple companies are knowledgeable of the effects of climate change, but chose to hide the truth and cover it up. Lieu dubbed this action as "morally wrong" and "illegal" in some cases.
However, Exxon caught in the middle of the controversy, announced an interesting job opening. It is looking for a climate change researcher to work in its Annandale, New Jersey research facility.
"We are seeking a candidate to advance research and assessment providing fundamental understanding on global climate change issues," the job post says.
"The candidate would lead research in areas such as Earth systems science and the role of technologies and systems in managing the risks posed by global climate change," it added.
The company is looking for a doctorate degree holder in engineering, science, economics or related field. The successful candidate will steer the company's research on climate change, that could include emissions reduction and alternative energy sources.
If the company will still downplay the effects of climate change through this new job hiring, it might fuel more debates and pressure from the U.S. government. In fact, in a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Nov. 23, researchers found that climate change doubts were initiated by studies funded by energy companies, ExxonMobil and the Koch brothers.
