Johannesburg – Four activists from around the world are currently occupying one of Shells oil platforms on its way to a major oil field, Greenpeace said Tuesday.
Greenpeace said the oil platform was being transported to the North Sea to pump out up to 45 000 barrels of oil a day, for over 20 years.
The activists said burning all of the oil and gas from the field would create the equivalent of 45 million tonnes of CO2, more than the annual emissions of Norway.
“They have a clear message for Shell – stop drilling, and start paying for the death and destruction that you are causing around the world,” said Greenpeace.
“This is happening right now at sea, we need your help to make sure people everywhere know what the activists are doing, to help shine a spotlight on the destructive impact of Shell’s oil extraction.”
Shell and the entire fossil fuel industry are knowingly driving the climate crisis, thats why Im taking action today.
“In my country, the Philippines, entire communities are being destroyed by extreme weather events – and we are not alone in our suffering,” said Yeb Saño, Executive Director of Greenpeace South East Asia.
“Around the world, we have seen deadly flooding in Pakistan, extreme heat waves in Turkey, and droughts and crop failures across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.”
Saño added: “Countries that have done the least to cause the climate crisis are paying the highest price.
“Over the last 50 years or so, Shell has produced 10 times the carbon pollution of the Philippines.
“But this crisis knows no borders.”
Saño said extreme weather is also devastating lives in France, Germany, and the U.S.
In the UK and across Europe people are freezing in their homes because of unaffordable energy bills.
“We are all suffering whilst Shell and the rest of the fossil fuel industry line their pockets and make billions in profits,” said Saño.
“For a safe and fair world, we need climate justice. That means polluters like Shell must pay for the loss and damage they are causing to the world.”
The Greenpeace executive said people everywhere were rising up in resistance against the fossil fuel industry.
“I hope you will join us in this fight, and together we can make a real difference,” said Saño.
“We need your help to amplify our message to Shell.
“Can you watch and share our video with as many of your friends and family as possible on Twitter?”
Shell could not be immediately reached by The Bulrushes.
