Young Eco Activists Hold Oil Companies' Feet To The Fire

The effects of climate change continue to become undeniable, as even Alaska recently “celebrated” its hottest day ever. A state synonymous with the word “cold” hitting 90 degrees is just the latest worrying sign, along with increased worldwide floods, wildfires and even a hail storm in Mexico. In response ecological activists, many of them quite young, have been stepping up their efforts to get governments and fossil fuel companies to do more to combat climate change and invest in renewable energy. And there’s sings that they’re starting to have an effect. The Kids Are All Right: 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg is the most high-profile young environmental activist, having initiated the school strike for climate, an international movement which encourages young people to skip school and organize for climate change. On March 15th of this year, thousands of students across the world skipped class to join mass protests, calling on adults to take responsibility to stop climate change. Later that month, Thunberg was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. OPEC Is Not OK: As you’d guess, the fossil fuel industry is not putting Thunberg on their Christmas card list. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which comprises 80% of the world’s proven oil reserves, is planning on expanded production, activism be damned. They have accused activists of spreading misinformation, and their secretary general Mohammed Barkindo called them the “greatest threat” to the fossil fuel industry. This did not hurt Thunberg’s feelings. Free To Be ESG: While Barkindo might not be receptive to activists’ requests, there are growing signs that many people within the industry know something has got to change. As we’ve noted before, ESG investing that prioritizes environmental concerns is on the rise, and shareholders are starting to push fossil fuel companies to do more. Back in May, 33% of investors at Chevron's annual meeting voted in support of a shareholder resolution asking the company to report on how it plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. In April, two major Exxon stakeholders said they'd vote against the re-election of all the company's directors due to "inadequate response" to climate change. -Michael Tedder Photo: Lisi Niesner/REUTERS