Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Queensland Museum Faces Backlash Over Shell-Backed Climate Lessons That Skip Fossil Fuels

The museum defends the program as curriculum-aligned, with a review already underway.

Overview

  • Climate advocacy group Comms Declare released a review alleging the Future Makers materials explain greenhouse gas increases and ocean acidification without identifying fossil-fuel combustion as the primary cause.
  • The resources carry Shell QGC branding and ask students to research or design carbon capture and storage systems, which critics say reflects industry talking points over fossil-fuel phase-out.
  • The Queensland Museum says the partnership maintains its independence, the content aligns with federal and state curricula, and all resources are being reviewed during the curriculum transition.
  • According to figures cited by the museum, Shell’s support totals about $10.25 million since 2015, including $800,000 in 2024/25, with roughly 400,000 resource downloads and professional development for about 1,700 teachers.
  • The museum reports the program has reached more than 200,000 students, Shell declined to comment, and the dispute follows wider scrutiny of fossil-fuel ties at institutions including Questacon.