Shocking 1960s Climate Revelations: What Congress and Scientists Knew About Global Warming!

Lost Knowledge: What Americans Knew About Climate Change in the 1960s

Recent Supreme Court decisions suggest a lack of awareness about climate change half a century ago. In 2007, the Clean Air Act was interpreted to allow the EPA to regulate CO2 emissions, yet some justices believed climate change studies were in their infancy back then. However, Naomi Oreskes and her team reveal a different story.

Oreskes, a Harvard historian, was stunned by how little people understood the climate awareness of the past. She discovered that by the first Earth Day in 1970, the immediate focus was on smog, but scientists had been studying CO2’s impact on climate since the 19th century. Her research aimed to correct this misconception.

Alongside other researchers, Oreskes uncovered a wealth of historical documents showing that concerns about a warming planet were widespread, not limited to scientists. “We discovered a universe of discussions by scientists, by members of Congress, by members of the executive branch,” Oreskes said, underscoring the depth of historical awareness.

Oreskes’ initial short paper expanded into a 124-page analysis, soon to be published in Ecology Law Quarterly. This is only part one, with over 100 congressional hearings on CO2 and the greenhouse effect yet to be detailed. Her findings argue for the EPA’s broad authority to regulate pollution, a crucial point following recent court decisions limiting this power.

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Congressional Awareness and Historical Context

Research shows Congress intended to grant the EPA broad regulatory power, including over greenhouse gases. This is particularly relevant after the West Virginia v. EPA decision in 2022, which invoked a new argument requiring explicit congressional authorization for significant regulations. Oreskes’ findings aim to counter this interpretation.

Documents reveal that in 1970, Congress understood the economic implications of addressing climate change, affecting industries like energy and automotive. Oreskes hopes her work will debunk myths about the Clean Air Act’s intentions and spark discussions among legal experts.

By the mid-1960s, climate change was already a federal concern. A 1965 National Science Foundation report warned that human activities were altering the climate. This awareness extends back further than commonly believed, influencing legislative actions and environmental policies.

The papers of Senator Edmund Muskie, a key figure in drafting the Clean Air Act, show his deep involvement in climate discussions. His staff closely monitored media coverage, and in 1970, Muskie warned that unchecked pollution could lead to irreversible climatic changes. This highlights the foresight and understanding of policymakers at the time.

Public Awareness and Media Coverage

In the 1960s, carbon dioxide was recognized as a pollutant, although different from the smog-causing gases. By 1970, President Nixon’s task force on air pollution acknowledged its significant impact on climate. This broad understanding was not limited to scientific circles but reached into public and governmental awareness.

Oreskes’ team also found documents from the National Air Pollution Control Administration (NAPCA), an agency established in 1968 and later integrated into the EPA. NAPCA’s head testified in Congress about CO2 and potential regulatory impacts, a forgotten yet crucial part of the historical narrative.

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Public warnings about climate change date back to the 1950s. Frank Capra’s 1958 film, The Unchained Goddess, warned of rising seas due to temperature increases, reaching millions of children. In 1969, The Merv Griffin Show and a 1970 Sports Illustrated article further educated the public about the impending climate crisis.

• Frank Capra’s film reached 5 million children.
• The Merv Griffin Show discussed melting polar ice caps.
• Sports Illustrated warned against 99-year leases at present sea levels.

These examples show that climate change was a part of public discourse much earlier than often recognized, influencing both public perception and policy discussions.

Legal and Historical Implications

Oreskes’ paper aims to provide the necessary historical context for contemporary legal debates. Despite substantial evidence, experts like Ann Carlson of UCLA doubt the Supreme Court will consider this history. Carlson suggests the court may continue to oppose environmental regulations regardless of historical awareness.

Oreskes acknowledges the challenge but believes her research will strengthen legal arguments for climate cases. Her work underscores the importance of understanding historical context in shaping current and future environmental policies.

The oversight of this history may be due to a general American tendency to forget past events. As Adlai Stevenson noted, “The trouble with Americans is that they haven’t read the minutes of the previous meeting.” This gap in historical memory affects even those in environmental protection, who may focus on present threats over past concerns.

Oreskes hopes her research will revive forgotten narratives and emphasize the long-standing awareness of climate change. By doing so, she aims to influence current legal and policy debates, ensuring that historical knowledge informs future actions to combat climate change.

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