A new report from climate-focused organisation Comms Declare has exposed how fossil fuel companies are marketing to Australian children through educational programs in schools, museums, science centres and other trusted institutions. The report, set to be discussed in Canberra, suggests the industry is potentially reaching millions of children via more than 260 programs targeting kids of all ages.
Marketing Through Trusted Institutions
Comms Declare's analysis details that fossil fuel companies embed their messaging in communications programs at schools, museums, science centres and other trusted institutions. These programs, often branded as educational or community initiatives, serve to normalise fossil fuel use among young Australians. The report calls for a Senate inquiry into the issue, highlighting that the Australian Capital Territory has already banned fossil fuel sponsorships in schools, following similar restrictions in some overseas jurisdictions.
Political Support for Inquiry
Independent senator David Pocock and the Greens’ Steph Hodgins-May are expected to join the report’s authors at a press conference this morning to support the call for a Senate inquiry. According to Comms Declare, the fossil fuel industry's marketing to children is a deliberate strategy to cultivate future consumers and deflect from climate change concerns. The report emphasizes that such marketing undermines climate education and public health efforts.
Scope of the Issue
The report identifies over 260 programs run by fossil fuel companies or their front groups, reaching an estimated millions of children across Australia. These programs include curriculum-aligned resources, school visits, competitions, and sponsorship of science fairs and museum exhibits. Comms Declare argues that this represents a significant and under-recognised form of advertising that exploits children's trust in educational settings.
International Context and Local Action
The ACT's ban on fossil fuel sponsorships in schools sets a precedent, but Comms Declare urges other states and territories to follow suit. The organisation points to similar restrictions in parts of the United Kingdom and the United States as models. The report also notes that the fossil fuel industry's marketing to children is part of a broader pattern of greenwashing and climate obstruction.
Senator David Pocock said: "It is deeply concerning that fossil fuel companies are using our schools and museums to market to children. We need a Senate inquiry to fully understand the extent of this practice and to protect our kids from being used to further the interests of an industry that is driving climate change."
Greens spokesperson Steph Hodgins-May added: "Children should be learning about science and the environment, not being subjected to propaganda from fossil fuel companies. This report shows the industry is trying to buy influence and shape young minds."
Call for Action
Comms Declare is urging the federal government to establish a Senate inquiry to investigate the marketing tactics of fossil fuel companies targeting children. The organisation argues that such an inquiry would help develop regulations to prevent the industry from exploiting educational settings and to ensure that children receive unbiased climate education.
As the press conference unfolds in Canberra, the report is expected to generate significant debate about the role of fossil fuel companies in Australian schools and the need for stronger protections against corporate influence on children.
