ExxonMobil's response to publication of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report Climate Change 2007: Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability

April 6, 2007

The release of the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability by Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is another important contribution to understanding the risks of climate change to society and ecosystems.

The Report provides an extensive update of scientific views on the potential impacts of climate change on natural, managed and human systems, as well as their capacity to adapt and their vulnerability to change.

Since the Third Assessment Report in 2001 the number of relevant studies has increased substantially. There is increasing evidence that changes in the earth's climate over the last century have had a discernible influence on many physical and biological systems. Results from climate models and scenarios of future society indicate that future climate change could have wide-ranging affects on water availability, ecosystems, food production, coastal zones and society. These studies assume that no actions are taken to mitigate or adapt to future changes.

Because the risks to society and ecosystems could prove to be significant, ExxonMobil believes that 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. As described in the IPCC Report adaptation can also make an important contribution to limiting risks.

ExxonMobil contributes to these objectives through our partnerships with auto and engine makers on programs that could significantly reduce vehicle emissions, by conducting internal research on potential for hydrogen-fuelled 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.

We look forward to the publication later this year of IPCC reports on Mitigation and an overall Synthesis Report. 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.




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