Critical Reasoning

Certain oil companies have been called poor corporate citizens because they have opposed government action to limit global warming by undermining scientific research that characterizes the issue as severe. However, these same oil companies have also invested millions of dollars in scientific research to address the long term effects of climate change.

Which of the following best explains the apparent discrepancy in the situation described above?

A] The oil companies only recently began investing in scientific research to address climate change issues.

B] The research dollars invested by the oil companies are specifically earmarked for developing practical technologies that might be used to combat global warming.

C] The government action opposed by the oil companies would negatively impact their profits.

D] The scientific research that characterizes global warming as a severe problem has not been definitively proven.

E] The oil companies don't believe that any scientific research related to climate change will ultimately serve their interests.


[spoiler]
The given OA is B.[/spoiler]


This option tells us something important for the future. Go on with it.