New BP CEO weary of persistent questioning about climate change: “I’d like my narrative back”

LONDON, UK – BP plc recently announced plans to be carbon neutral by the year 2050, part of the company’s commitment to go “beyond petroleum.”

A newly leaked email outlines why BP’s CEO, Bernard Looney, pushed for a public deadline for the company achieving its climate goals.

The email from Looney read in part, “...we must push hard to get our carbon footprint reduced at all costs. As an industry leading oil and gas company we have a responsibility to stakeholders of all kinds.”

The second half of the message identified what seemed to be the motivating factor for Looney.

The email continued, “All I’m asked about is climate, climate, climate and there’s more to this company than CO2 emissions. I’d like my narrative back.”