S1 E4: Arriving at an Answer

Throughout this season we have been diving into a central question: Is it time to start calling oil & gas companies energy companies? In the final episode of season 1 of Life in the Greenhouse, we finally arrive at an answer through three interrelated conversations spanning greenhouse gas disclosure regulations, low-carbon transition plans, and the role of oil & gas in international climate negotiations. Thank you for tuning into Life in the Greenhouse!
Show notes
Ross’s Section
SEC Disclosure Law: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/audit/articles/sec-climate-disclosure-guidance.html
SEC disclosure law is held up in court: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/esg/sec-freezes-climate-rules-after-challengers-pushed-for-pause
Legal updates on California’s GHG disclosure bill: https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/2024/02/litigation-updates-on-californias-new-climate-disclosure-laws/
CSRD The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonmcgowan/2024/05/01/eu-delays-some-esg-sustainability-reporting-requirements-until-2026/?sh=dd087bc7ceb5
Brandon’s Section
ClimateAction 100 Net-zero indicators: https://www.climateaction100.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Climate-Action-100-Net-Zero-Company-Benchmark-Framework-2.0..pdf
SBTi scope 3 statement from April 2023: https://sciencebasedtargets.org/news/statement-from-the-sbti-board-of-trustees-on-use-of-environmental-attribute-certificates-including-but-not-limited-to-voluntary-carbon-markets-for-abatement-purposes-limited-to-scope-3
SBTi letter from staff in response to scope 3 statement: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gvjkqr4k4cdtt57qit9s6/SBTi-Staff-Response-to-the-Board-of-Trustees-April-9-Statement.pdf?rlkey=o38yubknqezjqzim44wjtk5fb&e=2&dl=0
Grist article on SBTi scope 3 situation: https://grist.org/accountability/a-climate-pledge-verifier-said-it-would-allow-more-carbon-offsets-its-staff-revolted/
Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor: https://newclimate.org/sites/default/files/2024-04/NewClimate_CCRM2024.pdf
Scope 3 flexibility claim: https://vcmintegrity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Scope-3-Flexibility-Claim-Beta.pdf
PLOS article on oil & gas clean energy claims vs reality: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EIlut-L_6rxvRiet3yZrbYl-2LEGb_Xi/view?usp=drive_link
IEA data on oil & gas expenditures: https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-investment-2023/overview-and-key-findings
Transition Pathway Initiative: https://transitionpathwayinitiative.org/publications/uploads/2024-setting-the-standard-assessing-oil-and-gas-companies-transition-plans
Erica’s Section
COP28 Director-General dismisses criticism of his boss, says summit needs new mindset: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop28-director-general-dismisses-criticism-his-boss-says-summit-needs-new-2023-06-06/
ExxonMobil is suing investors who want faster climate action: https://www.npr.org/2024/02/29/1234358133/exxon-climate-change-oil-fossil-fuels-shareholders-investors-lawsuit
‘A Trojan horse of legitimacy’: Shell launches a ‘climate tech’ startup advertising jobs in oil and gas: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/feb/26/shell-climate-tech-startup-onward-oil-gas-jobs-greenwashing