The nationals would not think this is their lot in life. In reality, sorting out responsibility for environmental neglect is complicated. One particular industry cannot be singled out. What is needed from our industry is a commitment beyond compliance, and into bettering life in the countries where they invest. Industry committed to making a difference can work with local universities in environmental research.
Companies working alone or working with service groups can have an impact at the local level.
Think how much more could be accomplished with a joint industry effort, working with nonprofit institutions in a country. The effect could be much more meaningful, particularly in smaller countries. There are obstacles to accomplishing such great goals, so we need to ensure that we're not contributing to problems, but to solutions. Over the past thirty years, our industry has lost its image as a reliable provider of cheap, clean energy so encouraging the use of other, renewable energy sources. Many of these efforts have fallen short of expectations, and fossil fuels, while finite, remain our most cost-effective and convenient source of energy.