Recent developments

Greenpeace activists interrupt Syncrude tar sands operation

Greenpeace activists entered Syncrude’s Aurora North Tar Sands facility earlier today, erecting a banner that transformed the opening of a tailings pond pipe into the “mouth” of a giant skull, spewing toxic sludge into the same tailings pond that earlier this year killed 500 migrating ducks. Activists also deployed a massive banner reading “World’s Dirtiest Oil: Stop the Tar Sands.” A third group of activists attempted to block another pipe to prevent further toxic contamination of Alberta’s environment, but were intercepted by Syncrude security before they could completely block the pipe.

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Greenpeace demands independent public inquiry into bird deaths, stiffer penalties and investigation of all tailings ponds

At a news conference today, Greenpeace demanded that Premier Ed Stelmach immediately launch a public inquiry under the Alberta Public Inquiries Act to investigate the deaths of 500 birds at the Syncrude tailings ponds.

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Greenpeace responds to bird deaths at toxic Syncrude tailings pond

In yet another example of the deadly implications of Alberta’s rampant tar sands development, more than 500 birds are dead or dying in the toxic Syncrude tailing pond at the Aurora North site, despite the fact that the law requires a bird management system be in place to deter the birds from landing on the toxic ponds.

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Greenpeace activists let it all hang out at Premier’s fundraising dinner

On April 24, 2008, Greenpeace activists delivered a clear message to Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, dropping from the ceiling above the annual Edmonton Premier’s Dinner as he was delivering his fundraising speech, unveiling a banner as they descended that read: “$telmach: The Best Premier Oil Money Can Buy.”

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Greenpeace to Alberta legislature: Stop the Tar Sands

Four Greenpeace activists suspended their bodies 42 metres over the North Saskatchewan River today to hang two 7 x 15 metre banners from the High Level Bridge in Edmonton. The banners depict the areas under current and projected tar sands development with the message “Stop the Tar Sands.” They hang in full view of the Alberta legislature, which opened today.

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Conservative subservience to tar sands preventing real action on climate change

Greenpeace activists were unimpressed by the government paying lip service to climate change during the throne speech on Tuesday night, and are calling for renewed commitments — and a concrete plan — to meet international obligations.