The Science Museum released emails, which show that Shell pushed its case to Museum staff to say no to NGOs regarding the chance to lead to a debate on the company's operations regarding an exhibition that was sponsored by it on waste and climate change.

She made efforts to influence the presentation of a climate change programme it was sponsoring at the Science Museum in London, internal documents seen by the Guardian show. The company was worried that a part of the project ‘creates an opportunity for NGOs to talk about some of the issues that concern them around Shell's operations’.

The company was also looking forward to know if a specific symposium at the museum was’ invite only’ since that would assure that they don’t want a debate on the topic.

A series of emails that have been obtained under the Freedom of Information Act has raised concerns regarding the matter. It also led to the questions concerning the impact of fossil fuel companies on most valued cultural institutions of Britain.

According to a spokesperson, "Alongside the many other scientists, academics and educators on the advisory panel for Atmosphere, David Hone, and Shell’s climate change adviser, has been consulted with regards to gallery content. We have occasionally made wider suggestions regarding the Climate Changing programme”. However, the spokesperson added that the Science Museum always had complete editorial control on its plans and content.

According to Chris Garrard, from the anti-oil sponsorship campaign group, these emails tell that Science Museum is an important part of Shell's propaganda machine.