Press release
BP AGM - Oil giant's dirty reputation well-deserved
14 April 2011
BP must switch its focus towards cleaner forms of energy if it wants to alter its reputation as one of the world's biggest environmental villains, Friends of the Earth warned today (Thursday 14 April, 2011) as shareholders gather for the firm's annual general meeting in London.
Friends of the Earth's Policy and Campaigns Director Craig Bennett said:
"BP's ruthless pursuit of oil is wrecking the planet and leaving its reputation in tatters.
"The company says 'Beyond Petroleum' sums up its brand, but this looks increasingly like cynical PR spin.
"Governments across the world should be forcing energy firms to lead the charge towards a clean, safe and secure energy future - but while our economy remains hopelessly hooked on oil this will simply be a distant pipe dream."
BP's reputation has been hit by a number of high profile incidents over the past year including:
• The huge oil spill in the gulf of Mexico last year following the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling unit.
• Criticism of its joint venture with a Russian oil firm to develop offshore exploration in the Arctic territory of Russia, one of the last great unspoilt wildernesses on earth.
• Censure from the UK Government for failing to investigate alleged human rights abuses along the route of the controversial Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline from the Caspian to the Mediterranean.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. Independent: BP targets one of the world's last unspoilt wildernesses after deal
2. Guardian: BP failed to act on reports of intimidation along Turkish pipeline
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Apr 2011
