Title: Climate Researchers at Stanford University Debate Fossil Fuel Funding for Research
Two good friends, Rebecca Grekin and Yannai Kashtan, both young climate researchers at Stanford University, are engaged in a passionate debate about the role of money from oil and gas companies in funding their work. The campus, usually bustling with groundbreaking research, was deserted for the holidays as the two friends met to discuss their differing perspectives.
Mr. Kashtan, skeptical of fossil fuel companies’ motivations, expressed his concerns about accepting funding from these industries. On the other hand, Ms. Grekin, whose academic career has been funded by Exxon Mobil, believes in working for change from within the system.
Their discussions touched on important questions facing the next generation of climate scientists, such as the ethics of accepting funding from companies contributing to global warming and the effectiveness of cutting-edge technologies in combating climate change.
Despite their differences, the two friends share a common goal of finding solutions to climate change. They co-signed an open letter calling on Stanford to establish guidelines for engaging with fossil fuel companies, aiming to ensure transparency and alignment with climate goals.
The debate reflects a broader issue facing universities, including Stanford, about accepting funding from fossil fuel companies. The Doerr School, founded with a significant donation from a venture capitalist, has faced criticism for its ties to the fossil fuel industry.
As the conversation continued over lunch at a local Burmese restaurant, Ms. Grekin and Mr. Kashtan found common ground in proposing guidelines for engaging with fossil fuel companies. Their differing perspectives highlight the complexity of navigating funding sources in climate research.
The debate between these two friends underscores the challenges and opportunities in addressing climate change, with each bringing a unique perspective to the table. Their willingness to engage in civil discourse and seek common ground reflects the spirit of collaboration needed to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time.
