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05 Nov 2002
Friends of the Earth today accused the oil industry of ignoring the
environment at a major London conference looking at key issues affecting
the industry’s future.
The conference “Oil and money in a changed world”
is an annual event which explores the industry’s global future
through a series of topical presentations and discussions. But, environmental
issues are nowhere to be seen. The agenda appears to ignore climate
change, the massive impact of oil and gas exploration, and mining and
transportation on the environment and communities.
Attendees at the conference are involved in a myriad of destructive
practices, for example:
Esso is doing more than any other company
to stop international action to tackle global warming. The company denies
the reality of global warming and refuses to invest in alternatives.
BP is involved in a major new oil pipeline
from Caspian sea through Azjerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Each year,
the pipeline will transport the equivalent of 30% of the UK’s annual
carbon dioxide emissions. BP has signed agreements with the three countries
exempting the strip of land around the pipeline from national laws,
including those affecting the environment, social issues and human rights.
The economics of the project are questionable, with BP saying that it’s
dependent on “free public money”.
Shell has a long history of involvement in
destructive projects across the world. These have included coming under
intense criticism for its operations in Nigeria; being forced to withdraw
from exploring for gas in Kirthar National Park in Pakistan following
pressure from Friends of the Earth; being forced to pull out of the
controversial Chad Cameroon pipeline, also after public pressure.
Hannah Griffiths, Corporates Campaigner said
“Oil and Money - it says it all. The oil
industry still has its head in the sand, and is failing to
put people and the environment at the heart of its business in
a relentless pursuit of profit. It is
time this destructive industry looked at its role in a changing
world and took its global responsibilities seriously.”
“The Government must also reign in oil
companies power. We need
a stick and carrot approach to encourage companies to invest in renewable
energy, and tough new laws to hold these
companies accountable for the impact they have on the
environment and communities around the world.”
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
Media team
