Total Quits Industry Group Over Climate Differences
France’s Total has opted not to renew its membership of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers’ (AFPM) association, it said on November 8, stating that the group’s stance on climate issues does not conform with its own.
As part of a new climate report, Total has reviewed its membership of 30 major industry associations it is involved with, assessing whether their views align with its own position on six key points.
Total’s position is that there is an established link between human activity and climate change, and it supports the 2015 Paris Agreement on limiting global warming. It also believes carbon pricing is necessary to encourage energy efficiency, support low-carbon technology and develop carbon sinks, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
The major views gas as “a key component” in the energy transition, helping to phase out coal use, while supporting policies to reduce methane emissions from gas production and consumption – flaring in particular. It also backs efforts to spur the development of renewables and biofuels, and also carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).
While ending its membership of AFPM, Total will remain affiliated with the American Chemistry Council, the American Petroleum Institute and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, as their views are “partially aligned” with its own. However, it will advocate internally for them to adjust their positions, and reconsider its membership if there are “lasting divergences”.
“Consumers and civil society have high expectations concerning climate issues. I believe that transparency and trust among all stakeholders are needed to together address the challenge of climate change,” Total CEO Patrick Pouyanne said. “With that in mind, our policy regarding industry associations demonstrates our consistency and credibility. Transparency will strengthen the action of businesses, which are key participants in discussions on how to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement.”