CounterSpill

Leaked internal emails by a key organization in the climate change debate reveal funding sources for several anti-climate science projects, including the teaching of climate science skepticism in public schools. 

The emails were from The Heartland Institute, known as an opponent of climate change science in environmental circles, and first appeared on websites DeSmogBlog and Think Progress on Tuesday. The information within included a strategy plan for 2012, meeting agendas, budgets and other documents that reflect the inner workings of the organization.    

However, one of the most intriguing discoveries was an earmarked $100,000 to develop a public school curriculum to interpret climate change science as "controversial and uncertain."

David Wojick, a federal consultant who is working on the curriculum, told the Associated Press the descriptions of the project are accurate in that they would emphasize the other side of the debate.

"My goal is to help them teach one of the greatest scientific debates in history," he said. "This means teaching both sides of the science, more science, not less."  

According to the New York Times, the documents also suggest that much of the money dedicated to anti-climate change initiatives comes from one source who is described as "the Anonymous Donor." As much as $14 million was donated from that source over the past six years. 

Other activities related to climate change include the appropriation of over $1.6 million to fund the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change, which publishes anti-climate change reports, and substantial donations from large corporations that have connections non-renewable energy companies, such as the Charles G. Koch Foundation.

SkepticalScience, a blog that counters statements made from climate skeptics, created an infographic of the donation data. 

In an attempt to verify the information contented within the documents, the AP contacted various persons linked to the Heartland Institute. Not one person countered any of the information. 

The Heartland Institute has since denied the veracity of one document.

Mother Jones reports the Heartland Institute is using the controversy to solicit more money from fundraisers. The organization sent an email blast describing the leak as a "cowardly and criminal attack" and asked for contributions to its legal defense fund. 

The Heartland Institute describes itself as dedicated to promoting "free-market solutions to social and economic problems." It also sponsors the International Conference on Climate Change, a twice-yearly meeting for global warming skeptics.  

All leaked documents can be found on DeSmogBlog.