ExxonMobil's response to publication of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report on Climate Science

February 13, 2007

The release of the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) on Climate Science by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an important contribution to climate science.

The Fourth Assessment Report of Climate Science provides an extensive update of scientific understanding regarding Earth's climate. It describes the scientific basis for concern regarding the risk of climate change and attempts for the first time to characterize the probabilities for change. 

We look forward to the publication later in the year of reports on Impacts and Adaptation and on Mitigation by IPCC's other two working groups. As in past IPCC assessments, scientists from ExxonMobil have participated directly as lead authors, as well as in the review process and workshops contributing to the development of AR4. 

Climate remains an extraordinarily complex area of scientific study. We are constantly learning and reassessing the science and policy aspects of this important issue, and the company's views and actions will consider the best information available at the time.

There is increasing evidence that the earth's climate has warmed on average about 0.7 C in the last century. Many global ecosystems, especially the polar areas, are showing signs of warming. CO₂ emissions have increased during this same time period - and emissions from fossil fuels and land use changes are one source of these emissions.

Because the risks to society and ecosystems could prove to be significant, it is prudent now to develop and implement global strategies that address the risks, keeping in mind the central importance of energy to the economies of the world. This includes putting policies in place that start us on a path to reduce emissions, while understanding the context of managing carbon emissions among other important world priorities, such as economic development, poverty eradication and public health. 

While this long term objective is pursued, near term objectives should include supporting climate research to reduce uncertainties while pacing policy responses; promoting energy efficiency; deploying existing technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and supporting research and development of new, low-GHG technologies. 

ExxonMobil is actively contributing in these areas, through our partnerships with auto and engine makers on programs that could significantly reduce vehicle emissions, conducting internal research on potential for hydrogen-fueled vehicles, investing in energy efficiency in our facilities, and working with organizations such as the European Union and Stanford University on groundbreaking research to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.



ExxonMobil Media Relations
972-444-1107