Standing at a
Historic Crossroad
As a company, BP has had to face several harsh
realities. Lord Browne of Madingley, who has contributed many
articles to World Energy over the years, sets out a policy based
on trust and cooperation to overcome obstacles and restore confidence
in the future.
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What Will It Take
to Attain Sustainability?
Sustainability is an important factor in both business and the
environment. The author discusses how technology, alternative sources
and government can all play a role in taking the action needed
today to ensure a more secure tomorrow. |
The Purpose of Business
Two views about the role of business - to make money and to perform
philanthropic deeds - are overly simplified, according to the
author. The true goal, he says, is to combine these two ideas
in a way that is organic to the business: to supply goods and
services at an affordable price and in a way that makes the activity
sustainable. |
China and the
World Economy: Prospects and Challenges
China has made great advances over the last 25 years, but the country
still faces many challenges. The author focuses on two of these:
energy supply and the environmental impact of increased energy consumption. |
Reflections on
35 Years of Discovery
The author looks back on three decades of energy progress and gives
his vision for the next 30 years. Among his forecasts are industry-government
collaboration, the development of cleaner fuels and new technologies
that can convert one form of energy into another. |
Three Steps to
a New Energy Future
The days of the $20 barrel of oil are over. With $50 barrels
more the norm and energy demand on the rise, the time is right
for some new strategic thinking. The author lays out three steps
to meeting the challenges of tomorrow: diversifying supply sources,
taking precautionary action and thinking outside the status quo.
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Balancing Profit
and Purpose
As worldwide energy demand increases, energy companies balance environmental
and profit concerns. The author suggests that companies can make
a profit while helping to stabilize the environment by focusing on
alternative sources, renewables, technological advances and improving
energy efficiency within their operations. |
The Four Challenges
Oil has always been a valuable commodity, but with rising prices
and environmental concerns of recent years, the reputation
of oil is at stake. The author address four challenges to the
oil industry, which include demonstrating that there is no
shortage of oil, supplying it to market in a prudent way and
doing so without undue damage to the environment.
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Growing a Company,
Growing a Country
President Vladimir Putin voiced a goal this year to double the
size of the Russian economy over the next decade. The development
of Russia's oil and gas resources and the further integration
of the country into the international economy offer great opportunities
toward that goal, and the author describes how they can be accomplished.
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The Link Between
Oil and Politics
To understand how the link between oil and politics is changing,
one needs to be versed in numerous different strands of knowledge.
The author gives an overview of a few of these areas, including
the intricacies of trade, the location of raw materials, environmental
concerns and the role of oil companies in skillfully and ethically
balancing these issues.
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An Update on Global
Warming
The actual or perceived consequences of human activity on the
global climate – generally called climate change – matter
to BP, which wants to be able to sustain its core activity of
producing and developing hydrocarbons. The author delivers an
update on the climate change issue and some reasons for optimism.
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International
Investment and Russia’s Role in World Affairs
Russia is an exciting new frontier for the energy business, especially
considering BP's huge new investment. As business conditions
improve and new technologies are implemented, says the author,
Russia may soon compete with the Middle East as a key oil-exporting
region.
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Energy Security
in Asia: The Case for Flexibility
As energy demand continues to grow worldwide, and especially
in Asia, the means for maintaining deliveries of adequate energy
supplies is changing. The author suggests that natural gas, and
a more flexible approach to its marketing and delivery, will
be critical in supplying Asia with the energy it needs to continue
growth and economic development.
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Marketing and
Trust
While uncertainty and distrust characterize public attitudes
toward some corporate cultures, it doesn't have to be this way.
The author notes that the key to building trust is in sustaining
open relationships with customers, partners, staff, lobby groups
and other interested parties. When done correctly, marketing
can help enhance this communication, as the author illustrates
through his company's "Beyond Petroleum" campaign.
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The Value of Business
in 2003
In a look backward and forward, BP's chief executive notes that
2002 was the same as every year in one way – it had its
share of difficulties. One of the key differences is a return
to greater regulation, as the demand for transparency in business
continues. The author believes despite the challenges, business
will remain an engine of progress.
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Meeting
America’s
Energy Needs
As the energy capital of the U.S., Houston is a key location
for the development of the energy that will supply America. The
head of the Gulf's largest producer takes a philosophical look
at the responsibilities of big business in the fabric of the
world community.
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Beyond Petroleum:
Business and the Environment in the 21st Century
Five years ago, BP decided that there were long-term risks involving
climate change that required precautionary action to avoid the
greater risk – of evidence mounting to the point where
draconian action was unavoidable. The author reports success
in his company's initial goals for reducing CO2 emissions, and
new goals for the future.
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Globalisation,
Business and the World After September 11
Lord Browne, one of the senior statesmen of the petroleum industry,
reflects upon the world that exists after September 11, the march
of globalisation, and the obligations of global corporations
in this new environment.
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Governance and
Responsibility: A Progress Report
One of the most live and contentious issues in the corporate
world is the relationship between companies and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs). The spread of globalization has increased
the number of NGOs in the world, and the author explains that
business must continue to work with them when possible to achieve
mutual advantage.
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The Environment:
A Progress Report
The environment is an issue that, understandably, arouses huge
emotion. People worry about the environment and feel angry about
both proposed solutions and the lack thereof. Above all, the
environment is an issue that must be addressed. The author presents
a progress report on the environment that seeks to show how progress
has been made and can continue to be made.
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The Next Competitive
Edge
The rapid pace of change in our industry has created a revolution
on five or six different fronts, with change occurring simultaneously
and beyond all prediction. Yet beneath all the change, a fundamental
requirement for success remains motivating good people to do
a good job. The author frames these issues within the current
debate over sustainability and social responsibility.
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