– We cannot risk a Deepwater Horizon in the Barents Sea, says Head of Greenpeace Norway, Truls Gulowsen.
As an important nursing ground for cod and other fish species, the Barents Sea is especially vulnerable to oil and gas exploration. Floating icebergs, dark winter months and the long distance to supply stations onshore makes Arctic oil exploration a risky gamble with the fragile Arctic nature.
– In Paris five months ago, Norway signed up to do their part to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees. In such a scenario there is no room for Arctic oil exploration, Gulowsen says.
A study conducted by scientists at University College London and published in Nature magazine a year ago, leaves no doubt that Arctic oil and gas has to stay in the ground even at a 2-degree scenario.
As late as Friday 13th of May, the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, signed a deal with US President Barack Obama to ensure sustainable development in the Arctic. New exploration licenses in the Barents Sea, is a clear violation of such an agreement.
– It is with shock and anger we register that Norway is violating two recent environmental agreements, just to get their hands on Arctic oil. This is yet another example of Norway as an environmental hypocrite, Gulowsen sys.
Thirteen oil companies got licenses, including Chevron, ConocoPhilips, Statoil and Lukoil. Royal Dutch Shell withdraw from the licensing round one month ago. Other companies should follow the example and abandon Arctic oil.
Be part of the global movement to Save the Arctic.
Head of Greenpeace Norway: Truls Gulowsen: 901 07 904
Head of Communications, Greenpeace Norway, Erik Martiniussen: 90 67 65 98