Greenwashing. Fossil fuel companies that are making a fortune – a fortune! – off oil and gas are now touting their so-called transitioning process to renewable forms of energy. A recent study of 25,233 tweets by ExxonMobil, BP, Shell and TotalEnergies, a European based multi-national conglomerate all tout their interest in renewable energy. The problem is that they see oil and gas as renewables.
Trying to appeal to the broad spectrum of people concerned about energy and climate catastrophe, their websites have rainbow colors, emphasize the role of women, and claim they are working for the future of the planet.
However, between 2009 and 2020 the four major companies have devoted less than 1 percent of their capital expenditures to low carbon investments. Compare that to the Danish company Ørsted, which shifted from oil and gas to 85% renewables. By the way, off-shore wind does not kill whales as oil and gas funded groups claim; they have not off the coast of Europe. Greenwashing. We shouldn’t believe these companies.
Prayer for the Day
Feed us with good pasture, O God, the pasture of righteousness,
As we struggle to live in the world you gave us;
Pour out clean water, O Source of life, the water of justice,
So we may draw from the well and share it with others.
May we strive to live faithfully and care for the earth,
Changing our habits as well as our thinking.
In the name of the One who points the way,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
I’m worried about greenwashing. I think we should come down on it very, very hard, whether it’s with criminal intent or actively deceptive.
- John Elkington, writer on corporate responsibility
If you work to include the most vulnerable people and the most vulnerable places, then you really will have protected everyone.
- Susan Phillips, Professor of Environmental Analysis, Pitzer College
O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!
Even now your enemies are in tumult; those who hate you have raised their heads.
They lay crafty plans against your people;
They consult together against those you protect . , ,
O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind.
Psalm 83: 1-3, 17