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New York Times (1923-Currentfile); Dec 4, 1997;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times (1851?2007) with Index (1851?1993)
pg. A31

Climate change:

a degree of uncertainty

The debate on climate change

has been long, complex and
intense. Governments, corpora-
tions, scientists. economists and
private citizens have all helped to
frame this debate. Today, we respectfully
submit our message to the officials who are
gathered in Kyoto to consider actions to
reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases.

Mobil shares the widespread concern
about the potential impact of these emissions
on the global climate. At the same time, we are
concerned that mandated emission cutbacks
no_w will produce grave economic conse-
quences for a? nations.

Fossil fuels dominate the world's energy
picture today. For at least several decades. they
will continue to be the major source of the
world?s energy needs. Government and the pri?
vate sector should begin no_w to expand the
array of technology options that can help reduce
our emission of greenhouse gases in the future.

The mission of the delegates at the Kyoto
conference should not be driven by the politics
of an artificial deadline. nor should it be con?
strained by only the several proposals under
consideration.

Two factors argue for nations to move
prudently. First. there is a high degree of
uncertainty over the timing and magnitude of
the potential impacts that man?made emissions
of greenhouse gases have on climate. Second.
the emission~reduction policies being con~
sidered carry with them very large economic
risks. Objectives and actions to deal with
climate change can only be determined as
additional knowledge is gained and uncertain-
ties minimized. Nations should commit them-
selves to meaningful actions. including:

  

a Governments should encourage and accel-
erate cooperative research on climate change
while harnessing free markets and voluntary
measures to deliver optimum emission reduc?
tions while preserving sustained economic
growth.
I To address the scientific uncertainty, govern?
ments. universities and industry should form
global research partnerships to fill in the knowl-
edge gap. with the goal of achieving a consen?
sus View on critical issues within a defined time
frame.
I During the fact-finding period, governments
should encourage and promote voluntary
actions by industry and citizens that reduce
emissions and use energy wisely. Govern-
ments can do much to raise public awareness
of the importance of energy conservation.
Mobil is already participating in such
efforts. Through cooperative endeavors, we are
funding research on technologies that promise
greater energy savings or lower greenhouse
gas emissions. We are continuing to create
energy-saving products. reducing our own
emissions and undertaking forestation projects
to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
in proposing these recommendations.
we ask the Kyoto delegates to avoid mandates
based on uncertain science and to resist
agreements that could inflict great economic
pain. Take steps to curtail emissions. develop
more energy-efficient technologies and im-
prove scientific understanding: These are the
challenges nations shOuld lay before their citi-
zens. Collectively, we can accomplish a lot.
The Kyoto delegates should know that
there is time to make it right. Advances in cli-
mate science can remove a degree of uncer-
tainty from decisions on how best to protect
our planet and its inhabitants.

.
 The energy



to make a difference.

?1997 Mobil Corporation

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