In a world grappling with the urgent need for cleaner, greener, sustainable energy solutions, Exxon has boldly chosen profits over the environment and the well-being of global populations.

As an environmentalist this is extremely disappointing to me as I am always hopeful that big profit generating corporations will take some of those financial gains, which I’m all for and move them into finding greener less carbon emitting alternatives to dirty oil.

Their unwavering commitment to fossil fuels, despite growing pressure to transition to cleaner energy sources, has raised eyebrows and righteously so, ignited a fiery debate.

Unlike some of its industry peers who have started shifting towards renewable energy, Exxon has opted to double down on its core business—filthy fossil fuels.

The results? Astonishing annual profits of $55.7 billion last year, a record-breaking figure, largely driven by the surge in oil prices triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

But as prices at the pump soared, President Biden accused the oil giant of "war profiteering."

Exxon, however, has an argument of its own.

The recent acquisition of Pioneer, they claim, will not only bolster energy security but also strengthen the US economy.

The debate rages on, with some praising their moves while others vehemently oppose them.

"ExxonMobil expanding is bad for people, communities, and our climate," warns David Tong, the global industry campaign manager at the non-profit research and advocacy group Oil Change International.

He contends that further consolidation of the fossil energy market into a smaller number of mega-companies won't secure energy access for people or help achieve climate targets.

In fact, a recent analysis by Tong's group reveals a shocking truth.

Despite their climate pledges, no major oil and gas company even comes close to aligning with the 2015 Paris Agreement, a groundbreaking international treaty aimed at keeping global temperatures "well below" 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Moreover, environmental advocates, like the non-profit Environmental Defense Fund, have raised concerns about the deal.

With good reason they fear that it will reduce transparency around methane emissions, which are 80 times more planet-warming than carbon emissions in the short term.

Exxon's bold stance, putting profits ahead of the environment and the well-being of the global population, has triggered a storm of justifiable controversy.

The world watches closely as the debate intensifies, with the environment and humanity's future hanging in the balance.

“If you really think that the environment is less important than the economy, try holding your breath while you count your money.” Guy McPherson