Commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are complex and multifaceted. Major oil corporations are passing through – large companies – really from fossil fuels to greener energy sources, or are they simply engaging in a strategic carbon credit game?  A global research team led by Kyoto University examined for the first time the transition and carbon offset strategies of these major oil companies. The database created for the project was made available to the public to increase the transparency of the study. "To measure each major's intent to transition, we used indicators of their plans to phase out oil and gas supplies and take responsibility for all life-cycle emissions," says Gregory Trencher of Kyoto University's Graduate School of Environmental Studies, referring to current clean energy . investments that only complement – not replace – fossil fuels. (Kyoto University)