Decoding the Climate Change Rhetoric of Oil Firms in Current Climate Talks

Oil companies have a significant presence at the climate talks, and their language is crucial as it can influence policy decisions. While most oil companies acknowledge climate change, they advocate for continued use of fossil fuels, albeit with cleaner extraction and processing methods. Key phrases used by oil companies, such as "low carbon" and "net zero," can be misleading, as they often refer only to emissions from their operations and not the emissions from the oil they sell. The industry also emphasizes the importance of reliable and affordable energy, which is often seen as a dig at renewable energy sources. The world is currently grappling with how to meet the Paris Agreement goals, and the oil industry argues against a complete transition away from oil and gas.