C of E takes on energy giant

Written by David Fletcher 15 Apr 2016
C of E takes on energy giant

The Church Commissioners have widespread support for a move to put pressure on energy giant ExxonMobil to disclose the impact of climate change policy on its business. The commissioners manage a fund of £6.7 billion, used to support the Church of England. They have co-filed a shareholder motion with the New York State Comptroller, asking Exxon to disclose the effect on its business if measures to restrict global warming to two degrees are successful. Shell and BP agreed to disclose how much they will be impacted by efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions in 2015. Exxon had attempted to have the resolution struck down by the Securities and Exchange Commission, but its request was denied last month. Exxon has funded groups who deny human-induced climate change, and lobbied politicians against climate change legislation. It has a long history of rejecting shareholder motions and the scientific consensus on this topic.

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