ENVIRONMENTAL group Greenpeace yesterday launched a high-profile campaign to shore up public opposition to oil developments on the Atlantic Frontier.

Greenpeace executive director Peter Melchett spoke out at a solar-powered presentation in a London theatre.

He said: "This campaign is designed to protect the climate by engaging with a solid, real target which is the centre of the problem-that is the exploration end of the oil industry."

He said they also wished to concentrate on an equally real, solid solution - solar power.

The campaign includes a short film to be shown in cinemas across Britain, a new Internet site, a petition aimed at Prime Minister Tony Blair and a high street tour of a mobile solar-powered kitchen.

Greenpeace said fossil fuels must remain in the ground if carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming are to be curbed.

"For the sake of the climate, this is a frontier too far " said Greenpeace campaigner Sarah Burton.

The environmental group is also concerned about the impact of oil drilling on marine wildlife.

In a two-pronged strategy, Greenpeace yesterday also challenged the British Government to divert £17million from fossil fuel subsidies to a programme to provide 50,000 homes with solar power.