ExxonMobil, self- described as the worlds largest publicly traded international oil and

Chapter 12, Problem 15

(choose chapter or problem)

ExxonMobil, self- described as the worlds largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, providing energy that helps underpin growing economies and improve living standards around the world, makes the following statements on its Web site: Managing long- term climate risks Rising greenhouse- gas emissions pose significant risks to society and ecosystems. Since most of these emissions are energy- related, any integrated approach to meeting the worlds growing energy needs over the coming decades must incorporate strategies to address the risk of climate change. Managing climate change risks Our strategy to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions is focused on increasing energy efficiency in the short term, implementing proven emission- reducing technologies in the near and medium term, and developing breakthrough, game- changing technologies for the long term. Technological innovation will play a central role in our ability to increase supply, improve efficiency, and reduce emissions. Approximately 90 percent of the greenhouse-gas emissions generated by petroleum products are released when customers use our products, and the remaining 10 percent are generated by industry operations. Therefore, technology is also needed to reduce energy- related emissions by end users. In a time when we still hear many people even some public officials questioning the reality of climate change and global warming, it might seem surprising to discover the perspective above coming from a large energy company. What do these statements suggest about climate change? About global warming? About the relationship between economic concerns and environmental protection? Finally, what do they suggest about the essential question posed at the beginning of this chapter: What is our responsibility to the natural environment? Refer to several texts from this chapter as you answer these questions.