Governments should be cautious about making hasty policies to tackle carbon emissions, as doing so might unduly damage the economy.

This was the message of Rex Tillerson, chief executive of oil giant Exxon Mobil, when he addressed an industry gathering this week.

Mr Tillerson acknowledged that the atmosphere was warming and carbon dioxide was at least partially responsible but warned against climate panic and making legislation on the hoof.

He also defended the environmental record of the oil and gas industries, saying their footprint was getting smaller as they found more efficient ways to operate.

Sam Bond

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