McKinsey profits from fossil fuel clients while pledging climate progress

The prestigious consulting firm McKinsey & Company has advised major fossil fuel producers on sustaining and expanding operations, even as it publicly promotes its role in climate solutions.

Ben Stockton and Hajar Meddah report for The Guardian

In short:

McKinsey has worked extensively with oil giants like Saudi Aramco and Koch Industries, advising on fossil fuel strategies while maintaining a public image as a leader in decarbonization.
Internal documents and interviews reveal tensions within the firm, with employees challenging its support for coal and oil ventures that undermine global climate goals.
In countries like India and Saudi Arabia, McKinsey has advised on projects that boost fossil fuel use, contradicting its public sustainability commitments.

Key quote:

“Our positive impact in other realms will mean nothing if we do not act as our clients alter the earth irrevocably.”

— Internal letter signed by over 1,100 McKinsey employees

Why this matters:

McKinsey’s dual role in aiding fossil fuel expansion and promoting green initiatives reveals a disconnect that undermines global climate efforts. The firm's influence in shaping energy policies worldwide has far-reaching consequences for the planet's ability to meet climate targets.

www.theguardian.com

McKinsey profits from fossil fuel clients while pledging climate progress

With Trump absent from COP30 talks, the world moves on without U.S.

European Parliament backs diluted 2040 climate targets

Opponents say bill bolstering Ohio's orphan well program is too generous to the oil and gas industry

Melting glaciers in the Himalayas feed lakes that threaten towns below

Fossil fuel lobbyists outnumber all COP30 delegations except Brazil, report says

Gavin Newsom calls for climate action. But even California is drilling more oil

Podcast: Will we artificially cool the planet?

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.