Whereas:

Disclose Climate Data

2004 – Exxon Mobil Corporation

Whereas:

Corporations have a social responsibility to create value for shareholders and benefits for society. However, companies acting to maximize shareholder value may in the course of business impose costs on the public, including environmental degradation and climate change. It is in the long-term interest of society to minimize these "externalities," partly because they may hamper economic growth.

Government is responsible for creating standards for business conduct that will ensure respect for the environment and the public welfare. It is in the interest of shareholders for companies to act within a legal and regulatory framework that is consistent, predictable and effective.

Effective policymaking requires the best possible information. Without the cooperation of business, policymakers may lack crucial information that may impact the quality of regulation. Companies have a responsibility to be as transparent as possible in providing information to the public and the government.

Whereas:

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the international body of experts charged with climate change research, stated in its 2001 Third Assessment Report:

"There is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activity...Human influences will continue to change atmospheric composition throughout the 21st century."

The study describes climate impacts, such as higher global temperatures and increased precipitation, as "very likely."

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) concurs:

"The degree of confidence in the IPCC assessment is higher today than it was 10, or even five years ago...there is general agreement that the observed warming is real and particularly strong within the past 20 years."

Exxon Mobil has funded scientific studies and made public statements regarding the science of climate change that appear to conflict with these conclusions. According to the June 2002 edition of Exxon Mobil Perspectives:

"There continue to be substantial and well-documented gaps in climate science. These gaps limit scientists' ability to assess the extent of any human influence on climate..."

Whereas:

A worldwide movement towards greater regulation to mitigate climate change has resulted from IPCC reports. Consistent with its own position, Exxon Mobil opposes most such regulation. Yet, it has not released primary research or an analysis of data supporting its conclusions. The lack of such information prevents shareholders, policymakers, and the public from being able to make decisions based on the facts the company claims to have.

Resolved: That, by the 2005 annual shareholder meeting, the Board of Directors make available to shareholders all research data relevant to ExxonMobil's stated position on the science of climate change, omitting proprietary information and at reasonable cost.

Supporting Statement

These data should:

Explain the specific differences between the company's position and that of the IPCC and NAS.

Describe company claims about 'gaps in climate science.'

Project the estimated costs of mitigating climate change compared to the costs of failing to do so.

Discuss all relevant peer reviewed research data leading to the company's conclusions, including data that do not support the company's position.