Corporate social responsibility plan. Royal Dutch Shell Corporation Research Paper

Corporate social responsibility plan. Royal Dutch Shell Corporation - Research Paper Example In exploring this subject, I wish to shed light on the significance of creating a timely and strategic corporate social responsibility program that strengthens and nourishes the corporate identity and image of Shell. I like to end this paper by presenting specific executions for the CSR program. Company Background: As a corporation that positions itself as the â€Å"leading innovator for the energy future†, Royal Dutch Shell or Shell aims to maintain sustainable development by delivering its short-term and long-term business interests with economic, environmental, and social considerations (Royal Dutch Shell A, 2009). Through sustainable development, Shell believes that it is able to: firstly, govern the way it develops new oil explorations and projects on alternative energy; secondly, manage its downstream supply chains; and lastly, share its benefits to society by delivering quality products and by spearheading community projects. Shell is present in more than 90 countries worldwide, has 93,000 full-time employees, and maintains a fuel retail network of around 43,000 service stations. In 2010, Shell was able to produce 3.3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day while it generated earnings of $20.5 billion. It spent $23.7 billion on net capital investment while it spent over $1.0 billion on research and development (R&D). The business operations of Shell are classified under three major categories—upstream, downstream, and projects and technology. Firstly, Shell Upstream is involved in the search and recovery of oil and natural gas; and the extraction of heavy oil from oil sands for conversion into synthetic crudes. (Royal Dutch Shell C, 2001). Secondly, Shell Downstream is involved in the manufacturing, supplying, and marketing of oil products and chemicals worldwide. Businesses under manufacturing and supply include refineries, chemical plants, and the supply and distribution of feedstock and other products. On the other hand, businesses under marketing sell a range of products including fuels, lubricants, bitumen, and liquefied petroleum gas for home, transport, and industrial use. Lastly, Shell Projects and Technology manages and drives the research and technology development programs for major projects of Shell. It provides technical services and technology capability to the Upstream and Downstream businesses. At this point, it is crucial to highlight that the company engages in business activities that have direct impact on the environment. For one, most Shell upstream operations need elaborate technologies that would guide the extraction of oil from the sea bed. As for its downstream arm , Shell recognizes the volume of carbon dioxide being emitted by its refining plants. Therefore, there is a strong and direct link between profitable business and responsible waste management. II. Climate Change and Managing Carbon Dioxide Emissions. Shell recognizes its significant role in halving the carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 to avoid the worst effects of climate change. However, the company believes that the actions needed to alleviate the impacts of climate cha