Statement of John Wilson,
Christian Brothers Investment Services
May 13, 2003
Good afternoon . My name is John Wilson. I am assistant director for socially responsible investing at christian brothers investment services.
Christian Brothers Investment Services was founded in 1981 by the brothers of the Christian Schools as an organization to combine faith and finance. We manage approximately $3 billion for Catholic institutional investors.
Christian Brothers has grown steadily because it has struck a responsive chord with Catholic organizations that seek to optimize the return on their assets through conservative investment philosophies while also incorporating ethical standards into the investment management process.
ExxonMobil's stance regarding global warming is an excellent example of how Christian Brothers tries to influence the companies in our investment portfolios to not only make good business decisions but also good ethical decisions as well.
As you've heard from Peter, Mark and Mindy, ExxonMobil's disregard for adequate risk management regarding global warming now qualifies as a problem for the company's shareholders.
ExxonMobil makes only the most cursory and dismissive references to climate change. This is a failure of both risk assessment and risk management. As shareholders, this deeply concerns us - not just because of climate change itself, but also what it tells us about how the company is managed.
For long-term investors, the reality is this: regulatory pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost non-fossil fuel sources has evolved from theory to fact.
The worldwide concern about climate change has begun to reshape the business landscape. It is generally accepted that the most economically efficient way to address the issue is through market mechanisms. These will create opportunities for visionary businesses, but threaten the bottom line of those companies that fail to prepare.
This is the long-term risk that ExxonMobil faces today and it is one that is simply intolerable for long-term investors who are concerned about the value of their shares.
And this also is an environmental issue for concerned investors. The science is there . and it's told us - dependence on fossil fuels will bring about the degradation of the planet.
As Peter mentioned, ExxonMobil has built their strategy around a 'best case scenario.' dealing only in best case scenarios isn't prudent where the fate of the planet is concerned. Besides, it's no way to run a company.
That is why Christian Brothers has joined with other shareholders affiliated with the interfaith center on corporate responsibility to file a resolution with ExxonMobil. We are asking for a report on how the company will respond to the regulatory, competitive and public pressure to develop renewable energy.
This resolution is among a total of four resolutions filed with ExxonMobil specifically on issues of global warming. Clearly, institutional investors in ExxonMobil have a great interest in pressuring the company to consider how climate change will affect their bottom line. As fiduciaries, it is our responsibility to assess and manage the risks to our portfolios, and to act on social issues that may have profound impacts that go beyond our investment in one company. This is example number one of that credo.
That concludes my opening remarks. I look forward to your questions during the Q&A.
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