What strategy can a major company design and implement in the face of global environmental issues? In this case-study about oil industry and climate change, we identify different types of strategies and implementation tactics, with a specific emphasis on communication strategies.
We then discuss in details the strategies of three multinational oil corporations in the face of climate change: ExxonMobil, TotalFinaElf and BP Amoco. We emphasize the similarities and the differences among strategies, in particular in the communicational and managerial dimensions.
Finally, we discuss how the Peak Oil theory can help us to understand the strategies of Oil companies.
Preparation (required)
Please fill in a survey about decisions that have implications for the natural environment. It is important that you do it well and it takes about 45 minutes.
Case-Study (Required
van den Hove, S., Le Menestrel, M. & de Bettignies, H.-C. (2002): “The oil industry and climate change: strategies and ethical dilemmas.” Climate Policy 2(1): 3-19.
Preparation 300-500 words
How do you think oil companies influence the policy of climate change today?
Optional readings
George Monbiot (2014). It’s simple. If we can’t change our economic system, our number’s up. The Guardian, Tuesday 27 May 2014
James Murray & David King (2012). Oil’s tipping point has passed. Nature 481, 433–435.
David J. Murphy (2012). Fossil fuels: Peak oil is affecting the economy already. Nature 483, 541-541
Pedro de Almeida & Pedro D. Silva (2011), Timing and future consequences of the peak of oil production. Futures 43.
Alexandra Witze (2007). Energy: That’s oil, folks... Nature 445, 14-17
Michael Lardelli (2007). Scientists need to confront economists about peak oil. Nature 446, 257-257
