Fossil fuel giants spend tens of millions on children's programs

Fossil fuel giants are investing tens of millions of dollars in programs aimed at children, encompassing school initiatives, sponsorships of youth sports, and partnerships with educational institutions. A new report by climate advocacy group Comms Declare reveals the extensive reach of these investments by companies such as Santos, Shell, Chevron, and BHP, designed to enhance their brand image and influence.

The report identified a network of over 260 such programs. Researchers found that just six of these initiatives received more than $50 million from mining companies, suggesting the total industry spending across school and youth settings is significantly higher. While some involve branding, like Woodside's Nippers sponsorship, others are long-term collaborations, educational programs, or site tours.

These programs often contribute to youth employment, particularly in regional areas, and support community organizations facing funding challenges. Governments also expect profitable industries to reinvest in the communities where they operate. However, the report highlights a lack of dedicated oversight mechanisms for industry partnerships in childhood settings, minimal disclosure requirements for school sponsorships, and inconsistent governance over how industries engage with children.

“

A child may recognise that a television commercial is trying to sell them something. They are far less likely to view information provided by a teacher, museum educator, sporting coach or educational institution through the same lens.

Comms Declare raises concerns about the educational content provided through these industry-funded resources. The report notes that some materials offer limited attention to the role of fossil fuel production in driving climate impacts, often framing the issue through adaptation or technological solutions rather than the source of the problem. Researchers stated that children are less likely to critically assess information from educators or institutions compared to direct advertising.

The extensive presence of the industry across environments where children learn, play, and grow is a collective concern. Comms Declare points to specific examples, such as Woodside-supported teaching materials that downplay the role of industrial activities in greenhouse gas emissions, instead guiding children to focus on their personal contributions to global warming without mentioning fossil fuel production.

“

Some educational programs and materials reviewed for this report presented climate impacts while giving limited attention to the role of fossil fuel production in driving those impacts.