Press release - September 28, 2015
Amsterdam, 28th September 2015 -- Responding to the news that Shell has abandoned its Arctic drilling programme after a disappointing season in Alaska, Greenpeace International Executive Director Kumi Naidoo said:
“This is a defining day for the Arctic. It’s a huge victory for the millions of people who stood up against Shell and a disaster for other oil companies with interests in the region. Shell has gambled big and lost big, both in terms of financial cost and its public reputation. This has become the most controversial oil project in the world, and despite its bluster Shell has been forced to walk away with nothing.
“President Obama should take this opportunity to cancel any future drilling and declare the Arctic ocean off limits to oil companies. This may be the best chance we get to create permanent protection for the Arctic and make the switch to renewable energy instead. If we are serious about dealing with climate change we will need to completely change our current way of thinking. Drilling in the melting Arctic is not compatible with this shift.
“Greenpeace’s campaign to save the Arctic will continue with passion and increased strength. We are campaigning for a protected sanctuary in international waters around the North Pole, and we hope that vision is one step closer after today.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Madhulika Verma, +91 9971137736, 
Avinash Chanchal, +91 8359826363, 
Jitendra Kumar, +91 9868167337, 
Hozefa Merchant, +91 9560706856, 
Munna Jha: +91 95700 99300, 