Our leaders still debate the scientific validity of climate change – which is remarkable given that the scientists agree that climate change is happening.
How is this possible that our leaders do not know?
We can thank Exxon for the “dis-information” that they have provided to our government leaders and the American public.
More than 30 years ago, Exxon scientists acknowledged, in internal company memos, that “climate changed could be catastrophic – at least for a substantial fraction of the Earth’s population.”
What did they do with this information? Did they choose to act as corporate leaders? Did they educate politicians? The public? And, other corporations? Perhaps they strategized about how to gradually convert to renewable energy sources that would benefit life on our planet, while insuring long term profits for their stakeholders?
No! They chose a path of deception and denial!
They did none of these things and they intentionally created confusion. Exxon helped to create the Global Climate Coalition; which served to question the scientific basis for concern about climate change. They did this to prevent the United States from signing onto the international Kyoto Protocol to control greenhouse gas emissions.
How is this possible that our leaders do not know?
We can thank Exxon for the “dis-information” that they have provided to our government leaders and the American public.
More than 30 years ago, Exxon scientists acknowledged, in internal company memos, that “climate changed could be catastrophic – at least for a substantial fraction of the Earth’s population.”
What did they do with this information? Did they choose to act as corporate leaders? Did they educate politicians? The public? And, other corporations? Perhaps they strategized about how to gradually convert to renewable energy sources that would benefit life on our planet, while insuring long term profits for their stakeholders?
No! They chose a path of deception and denial!
They did none of these things and they intentionally created confusion. Exxon helped to create the Global Climate Coalition; which served to question the scientific basis for concern about climate change. They did this to prevent the United States from signing onto the international Kyoto Protocol to control greenhouse gas emissions.
This effort turned the problem from fact to “opinion”
The debate has consequently been whether climate change is real, rather then what to do to avert climate disruption. Then, “as the scientific community began to speak out about climate issues, Exxon executives embarked on a campaign designed to prevent government from taking meaningful actions. These activities continue today.” (Naomi, Oreskes, New York Times, 10.10.15)
Why am I writing about this?
Am I trying to shame Exxon? Stop you from buying their products?
No. Actually I am stunned by the lies and intentional deception from our business leaders. I had assumed that a successful business would be built upon enduring values. Of course corporations are designed to make money – but, not by threatening the people and the world in which we live.
B Corps are the alternative
There is another kind of company. “B Corporations” or “B Corps” -- are a new type of corporate “certification” that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Corps also create better jobs for their employees and improve the quality of life in the communities where they are located.
Triple Bottom Line – People, Planet and Profits
These B Corps companies understand that we are all interconnected; and, to have a viable business it is necessary to care for your worker and the natural resources of our planet; and, that it is not sustainable to continue with “business as usual” reaping all the profits while trashing the Earth – as Exxon chose to do.
And, are these companies profitable?
Yes they are! This year there were 26 B Corps on the 2015 Inc 5000 list, a yearly tally of the fastest growing privately-held companies in the USA. B Corps show a strong mission is an asset, not an obstacle.
So perhaps Exxon will follow the lead of the dinosaurs and go extinct!
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
OK – it is lot to do. But, consider what is at stake.
The debate has consequently been whether climate change is real, rather then what to do to avert climate disruption. Then, “as the scientific community began to speak out about climate issues, Exxon executives embarked on a campaign designed to prevent government from taking meaningful actions. These activities continue today.” (Naomi, Oreskes, New York Times, 10.10.15)
Why am I writing about this?
Am I trying to shame Exxon? Stop you from buying their products?
No. Actually I am stunned by the lies and intentional deception from our business leaders. I had assumed that a successful business would be built upon enduring values. Of course corporations are designed to make money – but, not by threatening the people and the world in which we live.
B Corps are the alternative
There is another kind of company. “B Corporations” or “B Corps” -- are a new type of corporate “certification” that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Corps also create better jobs for their employees and improve the quality of life in the communities where they are located.
Triple Bottom Line – People, Planet and Profits
These B Corps companies understand that we are all interconnected; and, to have a viable business it is necessary to care for your worker and the natural resources of our planet; and, that it is not sustainable to continue with “business as usual” reaping all the profits while trashing the Earth – as Exxon chose to do.
And, are these companies profitable?
Yes they are! This year there were 26 B Corps on the 2015 Inc 5000 list, a yearly tally of the fastest growing privately-held companies in the USA. B Corps show a strong mission is an asset, not an obstacle.
So perhaps Exxon will follow the lead of the dinosaurs and go extinct!
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Read Naomi Oreskes, “Exxon’s Climate Concealment,” New York Times, 10.10.15
- Learn more about Certified B Corps at www.BCorporation.net
- Learn More at Triple Bottom Line Tool
- Research Socially Responsible Investments
- Move our money – Protect our planet! Move your investments to socially responsible companies.
OK – it is lot to do. But, consider what is at stake.
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