Oil CEO Supports Science and Decries Climate Denying Politicians

There are some in the fossil fuel industry who publicly acknowledge the veracity of climate science there are even a few who criticize climate denying politicians. As reported by the CBC, Suncor president and CEO Steve Williams wonders how the science on the right and the left can be different. "It is a matter of profound disappointment to me that science and economics have taken on some strange political ownership. Why the science of the left-wing is different than the science of the right-wing," Williams said adding conservatives should just cop to the reality that climate change is real. "Hey, it's just a fact. Let's get some facts out on the table," Williams said.

The Suncore CEO also described conservation and energy efficiency as a no-brainer. "It makes sense to consume things sensibly. Common sense is not a big part of the conversation that normally goes on on this thing," he said. "Energy efficiency, the sensible use of what is a finite resource."

William's support for energy efficiency is in stark contrast to an administration that has adopted what has been called an insane energy policy. His most strident criticism was aimed at politicians who pander to climate deniers.

"I find it scary. And I find the current politics of it — where if you want to vote this side of the politics or that side of the politics, you have to be a believer or not a believer — is complete nonsense, and we shouldn't allow that framing of the debate," Williams said adding, "I hope some of those politicians get brave enough to stand up and take some different positions on it."

Williams will retire in May at Suncor's Annual General Meeting on May 2, 2019.

"I hope some of those politicians get brave enough to stand up and take some different positions," Williams said. "It is a matter of profound disappointment to me that science and economics have taken on some strange political ownership."