Tag Archives: exxon research and engineering

1980 Internal Exxon Memorandum: CO2 Greenhouse Communications Plan

July 8, 1980 memorandum with notes from N.R. Werthamer of Exxon Research and Engineering to Harold N. Weinberg detailing a draft communications plan to publicize Exxon’s scientific initiative as well as findings regarding the CO2 problem. Share this post on your feed Twitter Facebook Google+

1980 Internal Exxon Memorandum: Greenhouse Program

June 9, 1980 internal memorandum from Exxon Research and Engineering’s H.N. Weinberg to H. Shaw and N.R. Werthamer about Exxon’s CO2 research initiative, the “Greenhouse Program.” Shaw was a manager of the Environmental Area in Exxon Research & Engineering and an early advocate for the company’s research of atmospheric CO2. Werthamer was Shaw’s boss. This […]

1980 Memo on Exxon’s View and Position on the Greenhouse Effect

January 29, 1980 memo from Exxon’s Walt Eckelmann to Morey O’Loughlin on Exxon Science and Technology Department’s view and position on greenhouse effect. The memo is in response to O’Loughlin’s inquiry. Eckelmann writes that the Exxon Science and Technology Department views the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a “potentially serious problem requiring the results […]

1979 Climate Research Board: “Carbon Dioxide and Climate: A Scientific Assessment”

At the request of President Carter’s Executive Office, the National Academy of Sciences convened the Climate Research Board to assess the scientific basis for “future climatic changes resulting from man-made releases of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.” The study concludes that at the present rate of carbon emissions the global surface will warm 2 to […]

1979 Exxon Memo about API’s CO2 Effects Paper

A 1979 memo from Exxon’s R.J. Campion to W.W. Madden referencing Bill Slick’s need for information on atmospheric CO2 buildup as a potential emerging issue for the American Petroleum Institute to consider. Exxon recommended that this is not a high priority and referenced the Exxon Research and Engineering pilot “Greenhouse Project” study that measured CO2 […]

1979 Exxon Report on Greenhouse Effect for NOAA

March 26, 1979 Exxon proposed to help the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) assess the greenhouse effect. Exxon’s Edward Garvey, Henry Shaw, Wallace Broecker, and Taro Takahashi presented to Dr. Lester Machta. The slides detail Exxon’s rationale for involving itself with NOAA on this issue, intending to “assess the possible impact of the greenhouse […]

1978 Exxon Memo on Greenhouse Effect for Exxon Corporation Management Committee

June 6, 1978 J. F. Black sent a memo to F. G. Turpin, Vice President of Exxon’s Research and Engineering Company, that included the presentation and text Black made to the Corporation Management Committee in July 1977 after several people requested the prepared text. Black notes the general scientific consensus surrounding the likely manner that […]

1977 “The Coming Energy Crunch: A Practical Guide to Defensive Action” by former Exxon Corporate Research Laboratories manager L. G. Cook

A reaction to the oil supply squeeze in late 1976 and early 1977, this pro-oil report by Dr. Leslie G. Cook warned “the reader … to protect his own best interests in the face of impending energy limitations and constraints.” The report outlined future detriments to oil’s marketability, dismissed alternatives like solar, and assured government […]