Today, the Union of Concerned Scientists released the 2018 Climate Accountability Scorecard: Insufficient Progress from Fossil Fuel Companies, an update to the 2016 report that scored eight major fossil fuel companies on climate-related metrics. Many thanks to Tim and Pat for reviewing a draft of the report over the summer.

This follow-up study uses 28 metrics to examine eight major fossil fuel companies—Arch Coal, BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, CONSOL Energy, ExxonMobil, Peabody Energy and Royal Dutch Shell—and measure each company’s climate progress based on its communications, positions, and actions. 

The analysis found that while some companies have taken steps to distance themselves from anti-climate messages and bowed to shareholder pressure to acknowledge climate change in their business planning, their actions, overall, remain insufficient to prevent the worst effects of climate change. None of these companies have demonstrated a level of ambition consistent with keeping global temperature rise within the Paris climate agreement limits, many downplay or misrepresent climate science, and all continue to spread climate disinformation through trade and industry groups. 

The report, our methodology, and data can all be found at www.ucsusa.org/climatescorecard. You can also read a blog from UCS Director of Climate Science Brenda Ekwurzel examining company statements on climate science. 

Fossil fuel companies must take action to stop the spread of climate disinformation and align their business models with the Paris climate agreement. Our analysis provides specific recommendations to each of these eight companies on actions they should take to meet emerging societal expectations and do their part to prevent the worst effects of climate change. 

Kathy Mulvey

Accountability Campaign Director

Climate & Energy Program

Union of Concerned Scientists

Chair, UUA Socially Responsible Investment Committee