ABSTRACT:
Why are universities not more strident champions of climate action and opposition to fossil fuel industry abuses, and to what extent are they muted by fossil fuel industry influence? Mounting evidence shows that unchecked ties to the fossil fuel industry allows for organised climate obstruction in our leading climate research spaces. This report investigates the influence of the fossil fuel industry on South African higher education and how it is used to legitimise the industry within society at large. Inspired by research abroad on fossil fuel industry ‘capture’ of leading universities, it explores the scope of industry influence, and discusses the risks to academic integrity, examining how institutional capture and subtle ‘nudges’ may compromise research objectivity and mute public health objections to the industry. Finally, the report reviews international responses, looking at how other institutions have adopted divestment and ethical committees to manage these industry ties and disinformation to resist organised climate obstruction. We propose a path for South African leadership in the climate emergency, detailing essential steps such as endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and creating transparent public registries.