User:Kazoozoo/sandbox
ExxonMobil also ranks as the number one richest corporation in the world. A small group of concerned shareholders in the company have come together to form Campaign ExxonMobil. They are fighting from within the company to change ExxonMobil's stance on global warming and the corporation's disregard for renewable energy.[1] In 2002, ExxonMobil invested $100 million, to be paid out over ten years, in Stanford University's Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP).[2] This project seeks new technologies to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although this investment was the largest amount the company has put towards independent research on climate and energy options it only equals two days worth of ExxonMobil's profits according to the GCEP coalition.[3]
BT Group Environmental Record
In 2004, the BT Group signed the world's largest renewable energy deal with nPower and British Gas and now all of their exchanges, satellite networks and offices are powered by renewable energy.[4] BT is a member of the Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change and signed a letter urging the government to do more to tackle the problem. Janet Blake, head of global corporate social responsibility (CSR) at BT, says that she would like to see incentives that find ways of awarding those companies that focus on climate change by making investments in green business models.[5]
BT has an ambitious plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.[6] Their strategy includes steps to reduce their own footprint, influence customers and suppliers to reduce their footprints, and engage with their employees to help reduce their personal footprints. BT has actually pledged to achieve an 80% reduction by the year 2016 which will require further efficiency improvements.[7]
Bush Administration Environmental Record
It appears that corporate contributions to the Bush administration are paying off for polluters. Since 1999, 30 major power companies have raised $6.6 million for President Bush and the Republican National Committee.[8]
Wal-Mart Environmental Record
In October of 2005, Wal-mart began their environmental plan to substantially increase energy efficiency. Some of those goals included spending $500 million a year to attain better fuel efficiency in Wal-Mart's truck fleet, reducing greenhouse gases, reducing energy use, and cutting solid waste from US stores. CEO Lee Scott stated that Wal-Mart would ultimately use only renewabl energy sources and produce zero waste.[9] Groups such as Wal-Mart Watch believe that Wal-Mart's new green campaign is just a distraction to cover the blemishes on their environmental and equal wage records. Many violations litter Wal-Mart's environmental past such as air pollution, storm water violations, and improper storage of hazardous materials. In 2004 alone, Wal-Mart was fined for violations of environmental laws in nine states; the total fines number in the millions.[10]
Despite the criticism Wal-Mart has quickly become the biggest seller of organic milk and the biggest buyer of organic cotton in the world and is cutting down packaging and energy costs.[11] Wal-Mart spent nearly a year working with outside consultants to discover the company's total environmental impact and to identify areas where they could improve. They discovered, for instance, that by eliminating excess packaging on their toy line Kid Connection, they could save $2.4 million a year in shipping costs, 3,800 trees, and one million barrels of oil. Because of its size and power, Wal-Mart's eco-initiative is potentially more world-changing than most corporations.[12]