I believe the truth is subtler. Globalization is disturbing because it makes us see the world anew, often in ways that are very unpleasant. It makes us contrast the phenomenal wealth-creation of the developed world with the persistence of poverty in the world's poorest nations. With each passing year, this contrast becomes more vivid, more painful to look at. It is one of the single most effective ways to fuel continued human progress in this new century.
Companies working on a global basis have to tread with care and sensitivity.
The industry has begun to benefit over the last few years from the acceptance that we are simply one part of society, that we cannot dictate terms or pretend to be greater than government. Our strength and our future comes not from an assertion of power, but rather from the skills and the accumulated learning which we can offer to people who need the basic but essential products we provide. There is increasing concern everywhere about the impact of energy use. These are complex and intractable issues. They involve all society.