Exxon CEO Urges Trump to Stay in Paris Accord

ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods has advised President-elect Donald Trump against withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, highlighting the instability and uncertainty such moves create for businesses. Woods criticized the 'stops and starts' approach of changing climate policies with each administration, which he believes is inefficient and harmful to long-term business planning. This position is surprising coming from a major oil company executive, as it aligns more closely with climate activists than with Trump's pro-fossil fuel stance. Exxon has been publicly supportive of the Paris Agreement and has embraced carbon-cutting technologies, contrary to some industry perspectives that view such measures as attempts to maintain high oil prices. Woods' remarks come as Trump plans to re-exit the accord, having previously withdrawn the U.S. in 2017 before it was rejoined by President Biden. Despite Woods' advocacy, it is unclear if his views will influence Trump's administration, which may favor independent oil companies over major players like Exxon.