Shell Oil pres: "The debate is over about climate change"

[Rose Siding]

Q: Does global warming exist? If so, does human use of fossil fuels perpetuate the problem?

A: The debate is over about climate change. Shell shares the widespread concern that the emission of greenhouse gases from human activities is leading to changes in the global climate. Oil and gas will continue to provide an important share of the world's energy needs in this century, but we clearly recognize the challenge of meeting future energy demand while simultaneously addressing the issue of climate change.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.mpl/business/4080720

He goes on to reveal that the company has invested a billion $ in alternatives over the last 5 yrs which seems an embarrassingly paltry amount given the size of both the industry and the problem. Still, it made me smile to see someone in this position mimic Al Gore.

Three top oil execs were interviewed by the Houston Chronicle. More here-

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4081491.html

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. smoke and mirrors

they could take a few more billion from their profits and really help the situation.

They're saying this now because they HAVE TO.

[Rose Siding]

5. Still, it's something of a win that they *have* to say it

We know they could buy scientists and deny the facts as they have in the past. The conversation is moving forward and I credit Gore.

[salin]

6. I agree. Sorta puts the naysayers out there alone... looking more foolish

However, if they only invest small symbolic amounts, and actively work to prevent real efforts (lest it cut into their profits) rather than heavy investment, with an eye to the future - in an effort to ensure that the company will be a leader in the future - than it is rather a pyhric (sp) victory. :-(

[Rose Siding]

7. And the naysayers are still busy. Just today in the Sacramento paper-

Now we are told, of course, that there's a growing scientific consensus about global warming, with hydrocarbon emissions from humankind's economic activities the chief culprit, although there's a significant body of contrary opinion.

Whether global warming is a scientific fact or, alternatively, a theory being propagandized for ideological reasons is still an open question. But it clearly is a political fact and in politics, perceptions are always more powerful than reality, whatever it may be.

http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/14283635p-15091318c.html

[salin]

9. an open question to WHO?

And where is the plethora of SCIENTIFIC peer reviewed research articles that suggest it is still, scientifically, an "open question."

UGH.

[Toots]

2. Blasphemy

Plain and simple. Second quarter profits $77,000.00 per minute, first quarter profits even better yet they invested one billion over five years. :shrug: They really care and that shows...

[DesertRat]

3. It's very encouraging to see an energy co. president

at least admit the truth! :bounce:

[napi21]

4. I've heard several times that Shell has invested heavily in

alternative fuel sources. Fuel cell tech., electric car tech, etc. It makes sense to me that all the major oil co's would do that. If you see a potential decline in YOUR product, invest the $$ now in what will replace it!

[shadowknows69]

8. I can't wait to see the looks of suprise on these monsters faces

when our ecosystem starts to really break down and they have mobs of people rushing Shell offices for the food in their breakroom fridges.