Jobs, better living conditions and our hope for a brighter future all depend on economic growth. Wherever it goes, ExxonMobil tries to improve the quality of life in host countries by operating efficiently and by being a good neighbor.

That includes protecting the people who work for us. The injury rate for ExxonMobil exploration and production workers worldwide dropped 75 percent since 1995 — among the best performances in the industry.

Oil spills are down as well. In 1999, ExxonMobil marine vessels spilled less than one ounce of oil for every million gallons transported.

To improve air quality, we are continually reducing carbon dioxide emissions by improving the energy efficiency of our facilities. We also fund extensive independent research to better understand the environmental impact of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels.

As neighbors, ExxonMobil's operating success makes it possible to contribute to the communities where we work, creating profits, products and jobs, supporting education and the arts, and paying our share of taxes.

Shelter for Nigerian babies. At the Motherless Babies Home in Eket, a doctor makes sure that children receive enough food and proper care in their early years. ExxonMobil spouses run the program, which is supported by an annual $100,000 grant from Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited.

Assisting refugees in Azerbaijan. Exxon Azerbaijan Operating Company LLC provided emergency funding for clean drinking water, textbooks, medical services and community centers to help nearly 35,000 people in refugee camps in the southern section of Azerbaijan.

On-the-job training in Angola. Local unskilled workers in Angola were hired and trained to help assemble 22 new prefabricated homes at ExxonMobil's Imbondeiro Village housing project for employees in Luanda.

Water quality in Brazil. With support from Essobras, ExxonMobil's affiliate in Brazil, University of São Paulo scientists are helping restore water quality in the Piracicaba River, improving life for the 2.5 million urban dwellers, farmers and industries who depend on it.