
About this episode
In 2020, BP CEO Bernard Looney announced the international oil company planned to significantly increase investments in solar and wind energy while cutting oil and gas production - and thus carbon emissions - up to 40 percent by 2030. Last week, amid soaring oil prices, BP rolled back that commitment. BP's new plan is to reduce its oil output 25 percent by 2030 and its Scope 3 carbon emissions by 20 to 30 percent.
At the same time, the 114 year-old company points out it now spends 30 percent of it capital on its alternative energy business, up from just three percent in 2019. And, it still intends to cut its own direct emissions 50% by 2030.
In this episode of Leadership Next, Looney joins hosts Alan Murray and Ellen McGirt to dissect this complicated message. He details what motivated the change and lays out BP's strategy to become an integrated energy company (to include explaining why oil will remain a part of that strategy). Also in the conversation: BP's approach to addressing the "energy trilemma," maintaining public trust in the midst of a strategy change, and how growing up on a farm in Ireland influenced Looney's leadership style.
Explore more of Fortune! Use the promo code LN25 to get 25% off our annual subscription at fortune.com/subscribe
Get every episode summarized
Each time Leadership Next publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Leadership Next

2025 Recap: CEOs discuss embracing AI, tracking wellness, and marketing for Gen...
Leadership Next
Dec 30, 202516:23pending

Expedia’s CEO on the U.S. tourism slowdown, AI, and 2026 travel predictions | Le...
Leadership Next
Dec 23, 202530:11pending

Ad legend Dani Richa on AI, risk taking, and how advertising has changed
Leadership Next
Dec 17, 202535:18pending

Why Circle’s CEO Says Stablecoin Regulation Is Essential | Leadership Next
Leadership Next
Dec 9, 202534:48pending