Report targets fossil fuel outreach

Fossil fuel companies are reaching millions of Australian children through schools, museums, sporting clubs and educational programs, prompting fresh calls for tighter oversight of industry engagement with young people.

A report from climate communications charity Comms Declare identified more than 260 publicly documented programs and sponsorships funded by coal, oil and gas companies or industry bodies targeting children from early learning through to career pathways.

The report, From Cradle to Career: Fossil Fuel Industry Presence in Australian Childhood Settings, is the first national study to examine the scale of fossil fuel industry engagement with children and young people in Australia.

Researchers found one industry-backed education provider, Teacher Earth Science Education Programme Ltd (TESEP), estimated its activities could reach more than two million Australian students over five years. They also identified more than $54 million in disclosed funding across six programs, noting the true figure was likely substantially higher.

Comms Declare founder Belinda Noble said the finding highlighted concerns over corporate influence in children's education.

"Big oil and gas companies are helping drive climate change yet simultaneously funding educational programs that shape how young Australians understand energy, resources and climate issues," Noble said.

"Oil and gas companies sponsoring climate education is like a tobacco company giving cancer advice" she added.

The report also points to governance and transparency gaps around sponsorship arrangements, educational materials and industry partnerships, arguing there is limited public visibility over how such programs operate.

Comms Declare is calling for a Senate inquiring into fossil fuel industry engagement with children, alongside a national ban on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorships.

Nobel said previous regulatory action has demonstrated the need for broader reform.

"Six years ago an ASIX investigation forced banking programs, like Dollarmites, out of schools. Now big polluters are using the same loopholes to reach children, proving we need to find difference ways to fund children's programs once and for all," she said.

Polling commissioned by Comms Declare found 87% of parents and grandparents believe government, rather than fossil fuel companies should fund educational programs, while 58% support a ban on fossil fuel advertising. The report also notes the Australian Capital Territory prohibited fossil fuel sponsorships in public schools earlier this year.