Stop Shell, Save The Arctic
by Sara Ayech, climate campaigner
February saw the launch of our massive international campaign to save the Arctic.
On 21 February, Greenpeace climbers headed to the roof of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square where Shell was hosting a high profile reception for friends of the oil company. Our banner 'It's No Oil Painting. #SaveTheArctic' - together with Paula the polar bear - greeted guests as they arrived. This video gives you brilliant insights into the activity.
Last weekend, we saw seven activists, including Lucy Lawless (aka Xena Warrior Princess), spend 77 hours blocking the departure of a drill ship from New Zealand bound for the Alaskan Arctic, exposing Shell's efforts to move their operations to one of the last pristine environments on the planet.
In support of this direct action in New Zealand, Greenpeace active supporters in more than 35 towns across the UK protested at Shell petrol stations, leafleting the public about the dangers of Arctic drilling and demanding that Shell stops its reckless pursuit of oil in the Arctic region.
Drilling in the Arctic Ocean is insanity. It's incredibly dangerous and threatens species already under pressure from climate change like polar bears.
At the other end of the oil pipeline, we’re continuing to push Volkswagen to stop lobbying for a key climate law which would clean up our cars and reduce the need for Arctic oil. Active supporters in local networks have been out in force with stormtroopers over the last few months and have got more than 11,000 members of the public to sign VW Dark Side action cards. We’ve been sending packages of the cards through to top people at the VW HQ in Milton Keynes and to their biggest dealerships – so we know word is spreading inside the company.
For some more inspiration, check out this great video from the Telford branch of the Jedi Council.
Forthcoming Events
Stop New Nuclear: 10 - 11 March, Hinkley Point, Somerset
It's been less than a year since the Fukushima disaster, but EDF Energy is pushing ahead with plans for a new nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point in Somerset. Stop New Nuclear campaign is organising a rally and non-violent blockade of Hinkley Point nuclear power station on 10–11 March 2012: the first anniversary of the Fukushima disaster. People will be joining the protest from across the country. To find out more about the blockade and how you can get involved, visit http://www.stopnewnuclear.org.uk.
Scottish Skillshare, 14 - 15 April, Stirling
For active supporters in Scotland – new people very welcome. For more information and to register for a place, visit the website. Closing date is 12th March.
Active supporter skillshare, Goblin Combe, Somerset, May 18 – 20th
For all those active in the campaign networks in the west of the UK. Places are limited. Contact malcolm.carroll@greenpeace.org for more information.
We want to know what you think
The 2012 active supporter survey will be closing on Friday 2nd March, so please tell us what you think.
We'll be using your response to help plan campaigns and active supporter activities over the summer, so please help us to get this right. For example if 40% of you have a smartphone, should we be making briefings and campaign resources available to you via your phone? If you have a view, then please complete the survey.
Welcome back Spotlight
Some of you will recall the regular Spotlight articles that appeared in the old Network newsletter. By popular demand, we are going to start these features again and we begin with Valerio a Greenpeace volunteer from Italy, who’s volunteered in Russia and is now in Vancouver. Here he explains some of the reasons he got involved and what inspires him to stay involved.
Thank you. We couldn't do it without you.
Tim, Rachael and Malcolm
Outreach team
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