Geophysical Union Again Agrees to Continue Accepting Exxon Money

"For the second time AGU’s board has decided that accepting money from Exxon, which is under scrutiny over climate change, does not violate its mission."

"The American Geophysical Union announced Friday that it would continue to accept funding from ExxonMobil. The decision rejects the calls of some scientists, activists and others to refuse the company's sponsorship money because they say the energy giant has helped spread doubt about climate change and stymied effective climate policies.

AGU's board made its decision during its Sept. 14-15 meeting in Washington, D.C. This is the second time in six months that the board has discussed whether accepting money from Exxon violates its mission and funding policies—and decided it does not.

"AGU has always valued open dialogue and exchange of ideas, and we believe this decision best reflects AGU's unique value to the scientific community: our ability to convene scientists of diverse views and from different backgrounds, disciplines, and industries," AGU president Margaret Leinen and president-elect Eric Davidson wrote in a brief blog post announcing the decision."

Zahra Hirji reports for InsideClimate News September 25, 2016.