Exxon Starting to Warm to Global Warming Theories
January 15th, 2007 | by Brian Carr |In a very proactive and bold move, ExxonMobil has been involved with a Washington, D.C. based think tank aimed at finding ways to curb greenhouse gases. These gasses are widely believed to be the major cause of global warming. In addition to working with the think tank Exxon has stopped funding groups that are skeptical of global warming, according to CNN.
Exxon has been on record as a stern disbeliever in the notion that burning fossil fuels has been the cause in the recent increase in global temperatures, but it appears that the world’s largest oil company may be changing its stance regarding the issue.
According to CNN.com, Exxon has released a statement which says, “we recognize that the accumulation of greenhouse gasses in the Earth’s atmosphere poses risks that may prove significant for society and ecosystems. We believe these risks justify actions now, but the selection of actions must consider the uncertainties that remain.”
While Exxon should be commended as being the first major oil company to step forward and try and work on a possible solution the timing of the move has to be in question. Part of the reason Democrats were able to take back Congress was thanks to the appearance that the political party was going to focus on environmental issues - not the least of which concern with the oil industry.
Considering the United States is the world’s largest producer of carbon emissions, not to mention the fact the country has backed out of the Kyoto Protocol, it’s no surprise Exxon would have reasons to worry after the Democrats gained the majority in Congress.
That being said, even if Exxon has taken the anti-greenhouse gas stance simply as a way to appease lawmakers, the company should still be applauded for taking the stance. Hopefully we w ill see more cooperation between the gigantic oil companies regarding ways to make cleaner alternative fuels.
