
New Books Network Deborah Gordon, "No Standard Oil: Managing Abundant Petroleum in a Warming World" (Oxford UP, 2021)
Oct 20, 2025
Deborah Gordon, a senior principal in the Climate Intelligence Program at RMI, delves into the complexities of oil and gas emissions. She challenges the myth of dwindling oil supplies, emphasizing that not all oils impact the climate equally. Gordon introduces the Oil Climate Index Plus (OCI+), which reveals significant emissions variations and argues for strategic industry interventions. She discusses the need for carbon pricing, the role of national oil companies, and offers actionable strategies for individuals to influence climate policy. Practical solutions for reducing emissions are also highlighted.
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From Engineer To Policy Expert
- Deborah Gordon started her career as a chemical engineer and worked at Chevron doing environmental permitting.
- She returned to school in public policy to understand industry decision-making and long-term energy dynamics.
Abundance Beats Shortage Myths
- Oil scarcity perceptions often confuse supply-chain disruptions with physical scarcity.
- Gordon argues oil and gas are abundant and policy must address supply-side realities as well as demand.
Not All Hydrocarbons Are Equal
- Oils and gases vary widely in chemistry and climate impact across their lifecycle.
- Some resources can differ by two or three times in emissions from production to end use.


