What is the "Future Makers" program criticized for?

The "Future Makers" program, sponsored by Shell's Queensland Gas Company, is criticized for allegedly omitting the burning of fossil fuels as the root cause of climate change in its educational materials.

Who is accusing the Queensland Museum of climate obstruction?

The climate advocacy group Comms Declare has accused the Queensland Museum of climate obstruction due to its educational partnership with Shell's Queensland Gas Company.

How has the Queensland Museum responded to criticism?

The Queensland Museum defended its "Future Makers" program, stating it inspires STEM skills, delivers hands-on science education, and aligns with federal and state curriculum standards.

Home / Education / Shell Gas Funds School Climate Lessons: Critics Cry Obstruction

Shell Gas Funds School Climate Lessons: Critics Cry Obstruction

7 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Shell's Queensland Gas Company funds a museum program accused of downplaying fossil fuels' climate impact.
Advocacy group claims educational materials omit the primary cause of rising greenhouse gases.
The Queensland Museum defended its program, stating it aligns with national curriculum standards.

Shell Gas Funds School Climate Lessons: Critics Cry Obstruction

The Queensland Museum faces accusations of misleading students through a partnership with Shell's Queensland Gas Company, which has sponsored its "Future Makers" education program since 2015. A review by climate advocacy group Comms Declare alleges that the program's materials ignore the primary cause of the climate crisis: the burning of fossil fuels.

Comms Declare asserts that worksheets on global warming and ocean acidification fail to identify fossil fuel combustion as the main driver. Instead, materials encourage designing carbon capture systems. Belinda Noble of Comms Declare stated that this approach is "climate obstruction dressed up as education," comparing it to the unacceptability of big tobacco sponsoring educational content.