Money don’t mean a thing in the Arctic. Shell has spent nearly $4 billion for the right to drill in the Arctic, but all that money can’t buy them safe conditions for drilling. After one day of drilling in the Arctic Ocean, sea ice moved in and caused Shell to temporarily halt drilling operations. Below is a statement from our polar campaign working to protect the Arctic from oil companies like Shell and Gazprom who aim to capitalize on the melting sea ice in the region.
What more will it take for Shell to realize that the Arctic doesnt want them there? Its like a bad horror movie but with a very real tragedy at its core. Shells ongoing failure serves as a dire warning for other oil companies and investors looking to exploit the Arctic for profit.
As of now, Shell has until September 24 to complete any drilling they have planned. They have asked for an extension claiming a later sea ice season despite the recent evidence that conditions in the Arctic can be unpredictable. Judging by the quote below from Shell Alaska’s vice president, it’s obvious the oil giant is determined to drill in the Arctic, a global climate regulator.
“I will be one of those persons most cheering for an endless summer in Alaska,” Peter E. Slaiby, vice president of Shell Alaska.
The Arctic is sending Shell a clear message that they are not welcome. Now you can too.
