Ms. B's Sample Entry

“Exxon Mobil Criticized at Annual Meeting.” Morning Edition
Saturday. National Public Radio. WNPR, Connecticut. 31
May 2008.

Exxon Mobil is no doubt one of the most wealthy and successful companies in the world. NPR’s Scott Simon interviewed journalist Joe Nocera who attended the annual meeting of the company who reports that the prestigious Rockefeller family as part of the influential shareholders in the company asserted that that although Exxon Mobil is an “extremely well run company,” they have some concerns. Their primary concern is in response to global warming—what will the world’s energy use look like in 2020/2030? Will the world have shifted from oil and gasoline to more eco-friendly alternative fuels? CEO Rex Tillerton doesn’t think so and doesn’t plan on worrying about it, as he revels in the profit off the price hikes due to the supply and demand in the world today as India and China increase their need for oil.

I understand that people deny global warming exists. I understand that people who accept its existence see no immediate threat. I also understand human nature. If we have no sense of urgency, then often, we don’t respond. Generally reactive, rather than proactive, humans often address issues only when they see evidence of danger. A student failing may not attempt to make up work until grades are about to be submitted. A sunbather may not use sunscreen until someone he/she knows gets skin cancer. If something interrupts that which brings us pleasure, we don’t want to change until we have to. This applies, too, to this story. Of course someone like Tillerton, whose company gained a 40 billion profit, 32% return on capital, and share prices went up 22% this year would assume his company doesn’t have to worry about global warming or any widespread changes in the world’s energy consumption. He may not want to change, but I think we should. We are not CEOs of big companies, but we can do little things to make a big difference. Saving energy, walking, recycling—all of these will help if not only to reduce at some miniscule level the progression of the destruction of the earth, but also raise our quality of life. How much do can we do? Who knows. . .but we may as well start trying now.

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