GREENPEACE OCCUPIES THE OFFICES OF JET PETROL (CONOCO) IN PROTEST AT NEW OIL DEVELOPMENT
London 4 June 1997
Greenpeace activists have occupied the offices of oil giant Conoco (owners of Jet Petrol stations) calling on the company to stop its plans for oil exploration in the Atlantic Frontier on the grounds of climate change.
Fifteen activists with briefcases containing hidden tape recorders, gained access to the Jet Petrol head office in Park Street, London W1. After chaining themselves in different parts of the building, they began playing recordings of real and simulated sounds of ocean industrialisation. The activists inside the building are refusing to leave until Jet gives Greenpeace an assurance that it will not explore for new oil in the Atlantic Frontier.
Outside Jet's offices more activists blocked the front entrance with a human chain of 12 people, some inside 'oil barrels'. Above them Greenpeace climbers erected a banner stating 'Stop climate change - No new oil'.
The recordings being played inside were also replicated outside. They contain extracts taken by Greenpeace of the ocean West of Shetland which is the most industrialised part of the Atlantic Frontier area. The recording also includes whale song and an extract from a recent speech by Heinz Rothermund of Shell Exploration. Rothermund stated "...in how far is it sensible to explore for and develop new hydrocarbon reserves given that the atmosphere may not be able to cope with the greenhouse gases that will emanate from ...reserves already discovered. Undoubtedly, there is a dilemma...."
Jet (Conoco) is one of a group of oil companies which has been granted oil exploration licenses in the latest offshore licensing round. It has been tipped by industry analysts to be the first company to drill in the area.
Greenpeace is objecting to oil exploration on the Atlantic Frontier on the grounds of climate change. Greenpeace campaigner Liz Pratt said "Even Shell recognises the dilemma posed by drilling for new oil when we cannot afford to burn even a fraction of current reserves." "Searching for new oil, particularly in one of Europe's most pristine ocean areas, against a backdrop of climate change, is madness. The solution is simple, Jet must say no to new oil and help save the climate."
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Greenpeace Press Office tel: +44 (0)171 865 8255/6/7/8