Archived press release

Foe hits out at oil industry

5 November 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.”

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust