Corporate social responsibility

Oil spill © Annie Girard
Oil spill © Annie Girard

The World Bank defines Corporate social responsibility (CSR) as "the commitment of businesses to contribute to sustainable economic development by working with employees, their families, the local community and society at large to improve their lives in ways that are good for business and for development."

 

In other words companies adhere to law, ethical standards, and international norms. Business embraces responsibility for the impact of their activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere and does not only consider the economic benefits of its shareholders. Furthermore, business promotes the public interest by encouraging community growth and development, and voluntarily eliminating practices that harm the public sphere, regardless of legality. Essentially, CSR is the inclusion of public interest into corporate decision-making.

Eni's activities in Congo

Tar sands ©Peter Essick 2009
Tar sands ©Peter Essick 2009

In May 2008, Eni announced a new agreement for $ 3 billion investment in tar sands, palm oil for bio-diesel and electricity in Congo-Brazzaville. None of the terms of the agreements between Eni and the Congolese government have been made public because of a confidentiality clause in the contract. This goes against Eni's own ethical code. The agreement was signed without consulting the civil society in the regions involved in the agreement.

 

The agreement between Eni and the Congolese government foresees the extraction of tar sands in an area of 1790 square kilometres. Producing a barrel of oil extracted from tar sands generally causes an emission of greenhouse gases 3 to 5 times higher than "normal" oil extraction. Eni also continues the practice of gas flaring in the Congo. Read more