Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, known for his involvement in climate debates, discusses the company's new approach to environmental responsibility. He advocates for maintaining the Paris Agreement and highlights the complexity of balancing fossil fuel demands with climate action. Woods dives into the role of innovative technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture, and the importance of carbon pricing. He also touches on challenges faced in algae-based biofuels and the company's commitment to reducing methane emissions, shedding light on Exxon's evolving climate strategy.
Darren Woods emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to balance carbon emissions reduction with global energy demands amid changing climate policies.
ExxonMobil is investing in technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen production to enhance sustainability while maintaining profitability and energy reliability.
Deep dives
Exxon's Shift in Climate Engagement
The recent engagement of ExxonMobil at climate conferences by CEO Darren Woods marks a significant change in the company's approach towards climate action. Woods emphasizes that reducing carbon emissions while meeting global energy demands poses a complex challenge requiring innovative solutions. He points out the importance of not solely relying on renewable energy sources like wind and solar, asserting that while they are essential, they alone are insufficient to meet growing energy needs. Exxon is promoting its advancements, such as the development of large-scale carbon capture and storage systems and virtually carbon-free hydrogen production facilities.
Navigating Political Climate and Policy Impact
Woods discusses the political implications of potential future U.S. administrations, particularly concerning climate policies and their impact on Exxon's operations. He believes that no single government can completely dictate the pace of energy transition, indicating that companies must focus on solutions that make business sense irrespective of political leadership. He expresses concern over policies that might limit energy production without considering affordability and reliability, stressing that a collaborative global approach is essential. Importantly, Woods argues that effective and consistent regulations can better serve the aim of reducing emissions than restrictive policies alone.
Investments in Climate Solutions Amid Market Dynamics
ExxonMobil is currently investing heavily in technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, such as the transition towards hydrogen as a cleaner energy source. Woods explains that permits for innovative solutions, like blue hydrogen produced through carbon capture, hinge on supportive regulations, which he believes should be technology-agnostic. He notes that despite the substantial investments and potential for risk, these technologies are crucial for future stability in energy production. The CEO also emphasizes that, as oil demand remains high, Exxon must balance shareholder profitability with sustainable methodologies to transition into a lower carbon future.
The Journey Toward Trust and Accountability
Woods confronts ExxonMobil's historical standpoint on climate science, acknowledging past criticisms but urging focus on current contributions to climate solutions. He states that the company is investing heavily in a range of technologies designed to help economies reduce their carbon footprints, some with promises of significant breakthroughs. He posits that to build trust, Exxon must demonstrate consistent actions and investments in climate initiatives rather than dwell on its controversial history. By striving to lead in sustainable innovations, Woods argues that Exxon can earn credibility and accountability as it seeks to tackle climate challenges head-on.
Reporter Akshat Rathi sits down with ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods, who made his second-ever appearance at the United Nations climate conference. Woods made the case for why incoming US president Donald Trump shouldn’t exit the Paris Agreement, and should uphold the country’s monumental climate legislation passed under the Biden administration. It’s quite the tone shift for a company that has a well-documented history of sowing doubt about the dangers of global warming. Listen now, and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube to get new episodes of Zero every Thursday.
Zero is a production of Bloomberg Green. Our producer is Mythili Rao. Special thanks to Kevin Crowley, Jen Dlouhy, Siobhan Wagner, Aaron Rutkoff, Jessica Beck and Ethan Steinberg. Thanks also to the Atlantic Council, the International Chamber of Commerce and Uve Sabirowsky. Thoughts or suggestions? Email us at zeropod@bloomberg.net. For more coverage of climate change and solutions, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/green.