Microsoft - Best Corporate Image?

Microsoft has the best public image among largest corporations, according to a new survey ranking the 60 highest profile companies in the world. The Wall Street Journal (31.1.07) says that much of this is due to the social responsibility record of Bill and Melinda Gates. The public doesn't separate between Microsoft and the Gates's foundation: the foundation's philantropic efforts shine on Microsoft. The article notes that in general, social responsibility is becoming an increasingly important component of corporation reputation.

Placing in the top 1-10 spots were Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, 3M, Google, Coca-Cola, General Mills, United Parcel Service, Sony, Toyota Motor, and Procter & Gamble.

In the lowest positions at 51-60 were Allstate, BP, Chevron, Sprint, Ford Motor, Altria Group, General Motors, Comcast, Exxon Mobil and finally Halliburton.

Exxon Mobil Tries to Clean Up Its Act

A half-page article in the FT yesterday notes that Exxon Mobil (#59 on the corporate image list) finds itself cornered. Known for its overt opposition to the Kyoto protocol, the oil giant is slowly shifting its position and showing signs of joining the scientific mainstream. "We need to be clear that in questioning whether Kyoto is the right approach to climate policy is not and should not be synonymous with being a climate sceptic," Exxon's VP for safety, health and environment is quoted as saying. Does that mean a tide is turning?

IPCC Climate Report Out

The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) climate summary and full report will be released today. Taloussanomat reports that the report's tone is stark. "We are cooking ourselves." Taloussanomat also links to an article about what changed Ollila's mind about climate change. The Daily Telegraph has gotten wind of the final version of the report, which gives actual numbers on the expected levels of warming.

What seems curious is that certain newspapers are still focusing on reporting whether or not the change is human induced (the report says there is 90% certainty that it is.) I thought we already basically settled that debate enough to do something. With that in mind, the quote of the day seems fitting:

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797)

Saving Other Species

Tigers, cod and the orang-utan. The Guardian suggests ways to help animals on the verge of extinction. The focus is on the UK market, but who's to say we couldn't take the same action in Helsinki?