'We have to take on climate together': 23rd World Petroleum Conference held in Houston

The 23rd World Petroleum Conference kicked off in Houston earlier this month with nearly 5,000 attendees from more than 70 different countries. 

“Houston and Houston’s energy-related firms are leading the way in the energy evolution," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said on hosting the conference.

David M. Turk, deputy secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, discussed goals at the beginning of the conference, including the need "to accelerate the clean energy transition" and making sure everyone has access to "affordable and reliable energy" while the nation shifts to green energy.

“American people, companies and government can take on climate head on together, and we have to," he said.

The discussion involved executives from the oil and petroleum industry. They talked of the importance of timing and investments among other things, and highlighted the importance of collaboration moving forward.

One aspect of the conference was centered around the push for green energy. While executives told the attendees that they understood and supported concern for the environment, they made clear that fossil fuels will be an essential aspect of energy even during the transition to more sustainable sources. 

“The growth of emissions-free energy is good for society and an objective our company supports," Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods said. "The fact remains that under most critical scenarios, including net-zero pathways, oil and natural gas will continue to play a significant role in meeting society’s needs.” 

He also highlighted how much those in poor counties rely on fossil fuels to raise their standard of living, how modern society was built on the reliability and low cost of these types of fuels, and that said that a disruptive transition is a bad idea. 

“As history has shown on many occasions, the best of intentions poorly executed can do more harm than good,” Woods said. “It’s important to keep this in mind as we deal with climate change. Calm heads and a thoughtful approach are needed. While the fight to mitigate the risk of climate change is vitally important, so is the work to meet the growing needs of people around the world.”

All the talk of fossil fuels considered, most major players are investing in low carbon projects. Some, including Exxon, are invested directly in building Houston's carbon capture hub.