January 29, 1980 memo from Exxon’s Walt Eckelmann to Morey O’Loughlin on Exxon Science and Technology Department’s view and position on greenhouse effect. The memo is in response to O’Loughlin’s inquiry. Eckelmann writes that the Exxon Science and Technology Department views the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a “potentially serious problem requiring the results […]
November 19, 1979 memo from Exxon’s Henry Shaw to H.N. Weinberg on research about atmospheric science and the “potential greenhouse effect.” Shaw writes that Exxon should participate in all disciplines researching and studying climate science so that Exxon can “influence possible legislation on environmental controls.” Shaw also writes that Exxon should start a “very aggressive defensive program” […]
Exxon’s R.J. Campion memo to J.T. Burgess regarding comments on the American Petroleum Institute’s background paper on CO2 effects. Exxon supports the “API conclusion that no industry research on CO2 (“Greenhouse”) Effects be initiated at this time.” Exxon also wants API’s paper to reflect that the earth is “now in a cooling phase, due to normal cyclic […]
At the request of President Carter’s Executive Office, the National Academy of Sciences convened the Climate Research Board to assess the scientific basis for “future climatic changes resulting from man-made releases of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.” The study concludes that at the present rate of carbon emissions the global surface will warm 2 to […]
March 26, 1979 Exxon proposed to help the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) assess the greenhouse effect. Exxon’s Edward Garvey, Henry Shaw, Wallace Broecker, and Taro Takahashi presented to Dr. Lester Machta. The slides detail Exxon’s rationale for involving itself with NOAA on this issue, intending to “assess the possible impact of the greenhouse […]
June 6, 1978 J. F. Black sent a memo to F. G. Turpin, Vice President of Exxon’s Research and Engineering Company, that included the presentation and text Black made to the Corporation Management Committee in July 1977 after several people requested the prepared text. Black notes the general scientific consensus surrounding the likely manner that […]
A reaction to the oil supply squeeze in late 1976 and early 1977, this pro-oil report by Dr. Leslie G. Cook warned “the reader … to protect his own best interests in the face of impending energy limitations and constraints.” The report outlined future detriments to oil’s marketability, dismissed alternatives like solar, and assured government […]
“Restoring the Quality of Our Environment” is a comprehensive report by President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Science Advisory Committee which warns of the impacts of pollution and humanity’s role in addressing the future. The panel suggests “economic incentives to discourage pollution” in which “special taxes would be levied against polluters.” The Committee reports on a wide […]