Coal companies statements on climate change science

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BHP Billiton

In its 2007 Climate Change Policy BHP-Billiton states that:

"BHP Billiton believes that the risks of climate change associated with increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere need to be addressed through accelerated action. The actions should aim to stabilise concentrations at levels guided by the research of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Behavioural change, innovation and technological progress are necessary to achieve stabilisation in a manner consistent with meeting natural resource and energy needs. Building on our earlier efforts, we will take action within our own businesses and work with governments, industry and other stakeholders to address this global challenge and find lasting solutions consistent with our goal of Zero Harm."

Peabody Energy

Peabody Energy does not have a section or policy on climate change on its website.

Rio Tinto

On its website, as of February 2013, Rio Tinto states:

"We believe that emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) resulting from human activities are contributing to climate change, and that avoiding human-caused changes to the climate is an important international goal. We recognise that this challenge will impose costs for GHG abatement and necessitate a change in the way the world uses energy. We face significant upside and downside risks arising from energy and climate change policy. These have the potential to affect energy supply and costs to operations as well as the markets and prices for our products. It is critical that we position ourselves for future carbon constraints and climate regulation. Performance expectations need to be set, plans implemented, improvements measured and follow-up actions made. High quality and timely information is necessary to maintain the improvement focus, encourage success and to correctly and reliably communicate our emissions internally and externally."

Xstrata

In the "climate change" section of Xstrata's website:

" Energy and climate change issues are inextricably linked. Global energy demand is increasing as a result of economic and social development and countries are seeking access to affordable, reliable and secure forms of energy. As developing nations industrialise, urbanise, and achieve higher standards of living, there will be growing demand for increased energy consumption. The International Energy Agency (IEA) states that global coal demand is set to increase 17% by 2035."

"We believe that fossil fuels will continue to play a vital role in the global energy complex and that emission reductions and increased energy efficiency associated with the production and consumption of fossil fuels are necessary and achievable."

"We believe that navigating the complex and often conflicting policy issues around climate change requires a collaborative long-term approach between governments, industries, research and scientific institutions and consumers."