It’s a striking moment when Darren Woods, the CEO of the oil and gas giant Exxon Mobil, urges President-elect Donald Trump not to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. While this may seem counterintuitive, it highlights the gravity of the climate crisis.
Woods warned that pulling out of the global climate accord would significantly undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions—a position that seems almost ironic, considering that Exxon Mobil is one of the largest contributors to global warming.
Moreover, he stressed the need for government support in transitioning to renewable energy. This comment highlights the missed chance to incentivize oil companies towards cleaner energy sources, crucial for climate change mitigation.
While Exxon Mobil has made some efforts to transition to greener energy, the company remains a major emitter. Despite these facts, Exxon is still expected to invest about $3 billion this year in developing alternative energy technologies, signaling an awareness of the need for change.
Trump’s stance on climate change has been notoriously dismissive. He has repeatedly threatened to exit the Paris Agreement and dismantling the Green New Deal. These actions threaten to undo years of progress in combating climate change, as they encourage more fossil fuel extraction and less regulatory oversight.
Under Trump’s leadership, major polluters like Exxon Mobil may face fewer restrictions, a prospect that worries many climate advocates. Despite overwhelming scientific consensus, Trump appears largely indifferent to these warnings, leaving many to wonder if he truly understands the urgency of the situation.
In the end, Woods’ plea for the U.S. to remain in the Paris Agreement is a reminder that even those who profit from fossil fuels understand the gravity of the climate crisis.
Reference- The New York Times, The Guardian, Exxon Mobil website, BBC, National Geographic