Whereas:

Global Warming - Disclose Climate Data

2005 – Exxon Mobil Corporation

Whereas:

Corporations have a responsibility to create value for shareholders and benefits for society. However, companies acting to maximize shareholder value may 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.

Successful policymaking requires the best possible information. Without the cooperation of business, policymakers may lack crucial information necessary for effective 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."

A 2004 report by the Bush Administration's Climate Change Science Program states that increases in human-derived GHG emissions are the only likely explanation for global warming over the past three decades.

ExxonMobil has funded scientific studies and made public statements that appear to conflict with these conclusions. According to the June 2002 edition of ExxonMobil 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..."

In November 2003, Andrew Swiger, Chairman and Production Director of ExxonMobil International Ltd, testified before the British House of Lords: "We say the science is unsettled."

Whereas:

A worldwide movement towards greater regulation to mitigate climate change has resulted from the IPCC reports. Consistent with its own position, ExxonMobil 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 2006 annual shareholder meeting, the Board of Directors make available to shareholders the 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:

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

2. Describe company claims about 'gaps in climate science.'

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

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