He was going to be smooth. Polished. Charming. The new face of ExxonMobil, presented to us back in March 2006:
Since taking over as Exxon’s chairman three months ago from Lee R. Raymond, his abrasive predecessor who dismissed fears of global warming and branded environmental activists “extremists,” Mr. Tillerson has gone out of his way to soften Exxon’s public stance on climate change.
“We recognize that climate change is a serious issue,” Mr. Tillerson said during a 50-minute interview last week, pointing to a recent company report that acknowledged the link between the consumption of fossil fuels and rising global temperatures. “We recognize that greenhouse gas emissions are one of the factors affecting climate change.”
That image completely fell apart at a news conference yesterday.
Tillerson let us know exactly what he thinks about climate change science:
Let’s put that through the Denierality Translator:
Exxon hasn’t changed, folks. They’re still bullies, stalking the streets, like a cheesy 80s song .
And they’re just as behind the times. What should be worrying them is that the media is discussing their attitude as archaic, and pointing out that they’re debating a firm, scientific consensus on climate change. In the dark Exxon heart, they know it isn’t just those darned environmentalists dogging them.
It’s science, and they can’t escape it.
