In the energy and climate worlds, everyone has an opinion about the role of the oil and gas  industry in the transition to net zero emissions. For some, the conclusion is unambiguous. 

The oil and gas industry is an obstacle to change, so successful transitions require relegating  oil and gas companies to history. For others, the capabilities and capital the industry holds  can be instruments of change – potentially important ones. 

Perspectives on this issue are complicated by the size and diversity of the industry itself. 

There are many different companies engaged in oil and gas, from small independent firms to  huge national oil companies – from technology providers to market traders. And there are  many different stances across the industry on energy transitions, from outright opposition  through to grudging acceptance and, in some cases, active pursuit of new opportunities.