Public Relations has influenced the careers of the founding fathers for better or worse. Drilled season three, episode three shows just one of the techniques that best describes the transition from the past to the present. Providing funding to a nonprofit environmental organization or forming relationships with green groups was popular during the ‘Mad Men of Climate Change’. These financial contributions frequently bought corporations a seat at the table in environmental negotiations, which were sometimes used to stall regulatory progress or reverse stronger climate legislation. Donations to nonprofits are a good idea, but they can sometimes provide false hope. Not only were these issues prevalent throughout this period, but they continue to exist today. While this idea sounds beneficial, it often lacks short-term action plans and accountability procedures, as they have in the past. PRSA says that “openness and clarity in communication provide stakeholders with clear accurate information” (Moore, 2024, p.5).
Chevron invests in technologies and practices that reduce its carbon footprint. Corporate social responsibility has become an integral part of modern business strategies. Chevron has a clear strategy “to leverage its strengths to safely deliver lower-carbon energy to a growing world” (Energydigital, 2024).
They invest in technologies and procedures that lower their carbon impact. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a key component of current company operations (PRLab). Chevron is a key participant in the oil sector and has been under intense pressure to address environmental and social problems. They have undertaken a thorough plan to reduce its environmental effects, particularly in terms of carbon emissions. The company is “working to advance new products and solutions that reduce the carbon emissions of major industries,” said Mike Wirth, Chevron CEO (Energydigital). Chevron has made major investments in carbon capture and storage technology to reduce CO2 emissions from its activities.
Chevron provides a valuable role for its employees and customers. A recent study on Chevron’s activities in 2023 included a remark from the strategy and sustainability vice president: “Our commitment to working safely, responsibly, and with integrity is at the heart of who we are. We are constantly working to improve our performance, which drives our efforts to provide lower-carbon energy to an expanding globe” (Krishnamurthy, 2023). The report’s five takeaways are to develop lower-carbon solutions, protect the environment, empower people, obtain outcomes the right way, and embrace technology. The research conducted by the Institute of Public Relations indicates that “in public relations and advertising research, most studies have focused on individuals’ attitudes toward corporations rather than attitudes toward a given behavior” (PRJ VOL. 17 issue 2 article). This implies how future employers, customers, and businesses envision the future.
Photo credits: Flicker Images
Keywords: social responsibility, energy, technologies, carbon
What are your thoughts?
References
Berkey, B. (n.d.). Climate Crisis: Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility | Brian Berkey — Ripple Effect Podcast. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZAzsirbapc
Chevron Policy, G. and P. A. (2023, May 8). 5 things to know from the Sustainability Report. chevron.com. https://www.chevron.com/newsroom/2023/q2/5-things-to-know-from-the-corporate-sustainability-report
Derrick, M. (2024, July 14). Chevron: Industry titan adapts to meet future energy demands. Energy Magazine. https://energydigital.com/articles/chevron-industry-titan-adapts-to-meet-future-energy-demands
Moore, J. (2024). Ethics and public relations. [PowerPoint Slides]
PRJ Vol. 17 issue 2 article 3. Institute for Public Relations. (n.d.). https://instituteforpr.org/prj-17-2-3/
Psychological Warfare, Astroturfing, and Another Tobacco-Oil Connection. (2020, January 28). Drilled. Episode three, season three.
5 predictions for the next 5 years of public relations. PRLab StudentStaffed Public Relations Agency 5 Predictions for the Next 5 Years of Public Relations Comments. (1969, January 1). https://www.bu.edu/prlab/2023/04/26/5-predictions-for-the-next-5-years-of-public-relations/
