This three page memo was sent November 9, 1979 by Edward E. David, President of Exxon Research and Engineering Company to Exxon Senior Vice President George T. Piercy. The memo begins:
“This eighth in our series of President’s Letters outlines work we have initiated to help evaluate the so-called “greenhouse effect” — a potential future global warming caused by the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere. The “greenhouse effect” is receiving widespread attention, based in part on dramatic claims and dire predictions that are appearing in the popular press. It is being cited, for instance, as an argument in opposition to any major U.S. synfuels program.”