Global Warming - Energy
2004 – Apache Corp.
WHEREAS:
In 2001, the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change concluded "there is new and stronger evidence that
most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human
activities." The National Academy of Sciences stated that the "degree
of confidence in the IPCC assessment is higher today than it was 10, or even 5
years ago."
The Environmental Protection
Agency's "Climate Action Report - 2002," concluded that climate
change poses risks to coastal communities due to sea level rise, water
shortages, and increases in the heat index and frequency of heat waves.
Countries have implemented
greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) controls abroad that could disadvantage U.S.
companies against competitors already accustomed to operating in carbon-constrained
environments. At least half of U.S. states are addressing global warming,
through legislation, lawsuits against the federal government or programs
initiated by governors.
According to recent polls by
Zogby and Gallup, 75% of Americans favor mandatory controls on GHG emissions.
Recent reports by CERES, the
Carbon Disclosure Project, Innovest Strategic Value Advisors, and the Investor
Responsibility Research Center demonstrate the growing financial risks of
climate change for US corporations, and that companies are not adequately
disclosing these risks to investors.
The reinsurer Swiss Re is
asking companies applying for directors and officers insurance to explain what
they are doing to prepare for potential regulation of GHG emissions.
We believe our industry is
highly exposed to risk from climate change; according to the Energy Information
Administration, over half of all GHG emissions in the United States are from
oil and gas combustion.
Industry leaders such as Royal
Dutch/Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, Statoil, Suncor and Amerada Hess are taking
actions to reduce their exposure to climate related risks, including assuming a
cost for carbon in their strategic planning, reporting on and reducing their
GHG emissions, engaging in emissions trading, and investing in renewable
energy. BP reports that its emissions reduction activities have generated
savings with an NPV of $650 million.
According to Oil and Gas
Investor, the industry's environmental record is hurting its ability to attract
strong employees. Companies like BP claim that their proactive stance on
climate change helps to recruit and retain quality employees.
RESOLVED: The shareholders
request that a committee of independent directors of the Board assess how the
company is responding to rising regulatory, competitive, and public pressure to
significantly reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions and
report to shareholders (at reasonable cost and omitting proprietary
information) by September 1, 2004.
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
We believe management has a
fiduciary duty to carefully assess and disclose to shareholders all pertinent
information on its response associated with climate change. We believe taking
early action to reduce emissions and prepare for standards could provide competitive
advantages, and inaction and opposition to emissions control efforts could
expose companies to regulatory and litigation risk, and reputation damage.
Sponsors:
Lead: Boston Common Asset Management, Mr. Steven
Heim; Domini Social Investments; Needmor
Fund; United Methodist Church -General Board of Pension & Health Benefits; Walden
Asset Management