GREENPEACE CALLS ON SHELL TO ABANDON EXPLORATION ON ATLANTIC FRONTIER
Press Release:, 14 May 1997
On the day of Shell UK's Annual General Meeting Greenpeace has publicly called on the oil Company to abandon its exploration for oil in the Atlantic Frontier region on the grounds of climate change.
In a letter to the Chair and Chief Executive of Shell UK, Mr Chris Fay, Greenpeace argues that any exploration of the area covered by the 17th licensing round would be illegal and irresponsible.
The letter, from Sarah Burton, Director of the Sane Energy Campaign for Greenpeace, argues that the Government's failure to implement the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive makes oil exploration in the region illegal. It also calls for a permanent halt in exploration since the world cannot afford to burn all existing fossil fuel reserves without causing irreparable damage to the climate.
To search for new oil in these circumstances, Greenpeace argues, is irresponsible and dangerous. Sarah Burton says "Climate protection demands an end of fossil fuel use - the question is not if, but when.
Action must be taken at once to replace fossil fuels by bringing in alternatives which are cleaner and sustainable, such as solar, wind and other renewables".
A partner in the existing Foinaven oil field in the North East Atlantic and a successful bidder for areas in the 17th licensing round, Shell UK is one of the prime movers in the Atlantic Frontier development along with BP.
Sarah Burton said, "Shell tries to present themselves as taking a more environmental or sustainable approach to their work while at the same time blatantly ignoring the impact of their product on the climate."
The letter ends by asking what the company's response to the overwhelming challenge of climate change will be in "this historic year, when world leaders are about to meet...five years after the Rio Earth Summit" .
Note to correspondents:
- Letter available on request
- As well as writing direct to Shell, Greenpeace has supported the Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility and the Pensions & Investment Research Consultants Limited (PIRC) in calling on shareholders to sign onto a resolution to today's AGM to improve Shell's environmental and human rights record.
- Resolution available on request
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
please contact Greenpeace press office on +(0)171 865 8255/6/7/8 or +(0)171 359 4837