Fossil fuels becoming 'socially challenged', says BP boss

Bernard Looney said BP will cut the amount of oil and gas it produces by 40% by the end of the decade. Picture: Toby Melville/Reuters

The chief executive of oil giant BP says he understands why people view the industry as "bad" and that fossil fuels are becoming the subject of social challenge.

Kerry-born Bernard Looney, who took on the role at the oil and gas giant in February, said the industry had "a challenge... with trust" but BP was determined to be a net zero carbon company by 2050.