Drilling Operations of Oil Companies to Compromise the Arctic

Frequently, preservation measures drawn up to conserve unique ecosytems come against the obscure interests of major companies that put the environmental balance of such regions at great risk. In this case, the Arctic is threatened by the influence of notorious oil companies like Shell, BP and Statoil.

These three major players tend to disregard every warning coming from experts and eco-groups in order to protect their own profit margins. To make sure their officials will be able to evaluate the impact of their decisions, Greenpeace representatives decided to invite them to a conference aiming to raise their level of awareness regarding the harmful effects of drilling operations, Greenpeace reports.

They accepted the invitation and showed up, ignoring the risks. Surprisingly, Greenpeace activists did not waste any time or energy to make them feel uncomfortable.

They welcomed representatives from the oil industry with a red carped soaked in oil, dozens of hand-banners and a giant floating one reading “Protect the Arctic: No License to Drill.” People behind this action aimed to let the oil companies know that they would continue fighting such controversial plans.

In this context, Shell, BP and Statoil representatives kept their calm and stated they would still back the announced project, despite its alarming effects upon the environment and the people's indignation. All in all, members were all ears and willing to hear what Greenpeace had to say.

“All the oil company representatives – from Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, Statoil and NunaOil – politely came along to our meeting instead of a meeting with the Greenland representatives. And instead of listening to a sales pitch about the economic prospects of ruining the Arctic, they were told the truth about Arctic drilling,” Greenpeace representatives state.

It seems that the message has been delivered, but the lesson of environmental preservation is still far from being learned. After a presentation supported by Greenpeace, indicating the devastating consequences of drilling processes in the Arctic, major players in the oil industry remained firm.

If they continue their risky operations, at least they would be able to evaluate their own ecological footprint. Greenpeace activists will definitely make sure every client will know what he is really paying for when purchasing Shell BP or Statoil products.