In a recent interview that has sparked widespread criticism, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods suggested that the public is to blame for the world’s failure to meet climate targets. The comments, coming from one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses globally, have triggered a wave of reactions from climate scientists, experts, and the public alike. Here’s the full story.
Exxon’s CEO Blames Consumers
In an interview with Fortune released on Tuesday, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods placed responsibility for the world’s failure to curb climate change squarely on consumers.
The Dirty Secret
He argued that the reluctance of the public to bear the costs of transitioning to renewable energy is the “dirty secret nobody talks about.” According to Woods, this unwillingness to pay for carbon reduction is hindering progress toward achieving the crucial goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Climate Scientists Replied
Climate scientists have strongly criticized Woods’s remarks, viewing them as an attempt to shift responsibility away from Exxon’s role in climate change. Woods’s claim that big oil is not the primary cause of the climate crisis has been met with skepticism, especially given Exxon’s historical knowledge of climate risks dating back to the 1970s.
Gernot Wagner, a climate economist at Columbia Business School, likened Woods’s comments to a “drug lord blaming everyone but himself for drug problems.”
Exxon’s Historical Role in Climate Change
Over the past decade, internal documents have revealed that Exxon was aware of the risks associated with global warming as far back as the 1970s. Despite this knowledge, the company engaged in efforts to downplay the severity of climate issues and impede initiatives to reduce fossil fuel usage.
The Legal Actions
Legal actions have been initiated against Exxon across the United States, alleging that the company concealed information about climate change. A 2021 analysis further exposed Exxon’s downplaying of its own role in the climate crisis through public-facing messaging.
The Hypocrisy
Naomi Oreskes, a Harvard historian of science, highlighted Exxon’s strategy as a playbook for selling a product it knew to be dangerous while denying or downplaying the associated risks. Oreskes argued that Exxon’s tactics included denying responsibility and blaming the consumer, which aligns with Woods’s recent comments.
Woods’s Defense
In response to the criticism, Woods defended Exxon’s relatively modest investment in renewable energy, saying that the development of carbon-free technologies has been delayed for too long.
Focus on Technology
He shared the importance of advanced technologies such as carbon capture and hydrogen fuels, while downplaying the viability of established clean energy sources like wind and solar. Woods also mentioned Exxon’s recognition of the need to decarbonize but argued against the appropriateness of investing in traditional clean energy sources.
Exxon’s Ambitions
Despite facing widespread criticism, Exxon remains firm in its plans to expand its fossil fuel business. The company, along with other major oil firms, is pushing forward with ambitious plans despite the understanding that new major oil and gas infrastructure poses a threat to global temperature boundaries.
Wood said that the company doesn’t see the ability to generate above-average returns for investors in established clean energy sources like wind and solar.
The Ongoing Battle
Exxon’s statements and actions are drawing increased attention amid ongoing legal challenges and public relations battles. The company is currently suing activist shareholders advocating for more stringent environmental regulations. Woods accused these shareholders of attempting to undermine Exxon’s core business strategy.
The Criticism
However, critics argued that Exxon’s focus on blaming activists and the public is an attempt to avoid accountability for its contribution to climate change. They argued that these actions had significantly contributed to the climate crisis.
The Ongoing Trend
Across the US, around 30 lawsuits were being filed by cities, states, and Indigenous communities, holding companies like Exxon accountable for allegedly misleading the public about the harmful effects of their products.
Dwelling On the Past
Unsurprisingly, Exxon’s CEO seemed eager to move on from the past. “That’s ancient history,” Woods told Fortune. “The world has a completely different understanding of this issue today. Instead of dwelling on the past, I believe we should focus on how we can contribute to solutions, not rehash old arguments,” he added.
Share Your Thoughts
So what do you think? How can the public and policymakers work together to hold major oil companies accountable for their role in climate change? What strategies can be used to encourage a more responsible and sustainable approach to energy production and consumption?
