In brief
In discussions at the U.N. climate summit, Woods highlighted the risk of a leadership void if the Trump administration exits the Paris climate agreement.
Darren Woods, the CEO of Exxon Mobil, urged President-elect Donald J. Trump not to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, expressing concern that such a move would create a significant void in climate negotiations. Speaking at the annual U.N. climate summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Woods emphasized the importance of a global framework for managing emissions. He remarked that maintaining U.S. involvement would allow Trump the opportunity to introduce pragmatic and effective policies.“Climate negotiations present a platform for pursuing common-sense policies,” Woods articulated in an interview with The New York Times. He noted that the Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized a return to practical governance, suggesting that the same approach could be applied to climate policy.Additionally, Woods pressed government officials to develop incentives that would facilitate a transition to cleaner energy sources in a way that remains profitable for businesses. He stated, “The role of government in this area is crucial and has not been adequately addressed.” Woods’ presence at the summit is particularly notable given the absence of many world leaders and representatives from major oil companies, including Shell and Chevron. Notably, President Biden also opted not to attend this year’s conference in Azerbaijan, a country known for its oil resources as a former Soviet republic. The absence of prominent figures raises questions about the commitment of major powers to address climate change collaboratively.
