News21 February 2007 13 February 2007
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Bolkestein tries to conceal Shell' s environmental problemsFrank Köhler, director Milieudefensie
Volkskrant 13 February Frits Bolkestein reacted to an advertisement in which over 6000 people from 111 countries call on Shell to use its annual profit of more than 25 biollion dolaars to clean up the pollution it has caused in various places in the world. According to Friends of the Earth, bolkestein too easily closes his eyes to the problems his former employer has caused. On the Russian peninsula of Sacchalin, Shell is involved in the construction of a controversial gas and oil pipeline which threatens the existence of the grey whale and various salmon species. According to bolkestein, Milieudefensie is an accessory to Russian blackmailtactics. This is a strange way to look at the issue. For years, environmental groups around the world have indicated that this project involves serious environmental risks. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has repeatedly judged that the project does not meet its environmental criteria. The Russian government used these arguments to pressure Shell knowing they would help Gazprom's case, but this does not make the problems less important. Large scale damage to the fish population, trees and soil of Sacchalin are a fact. According to Bolkestein Milieudefensie also unjustly criticises Shell's activities in Nigeria with regard to gas flaring and oil leaks. bolkestein lays responsibility for leaks with oil thieves. We all know that sabotage of these pipelines is the case in Nigeria, however this is only part of the story. According to Shell's own reports, in 2005 alone 86 spills took place that were caused by their own falings. In the past 40 years, thousands of spills were caused by Shell, and most of these have not yet been cleaned up. Oil facilities and installations are situated in ecologically important areas including those important for fishing grounds, mangroves and tropical rainforests. Oil spills have severely damaged these areas. Drinking water is polluted, people are sick and farmers have lost income because their land has become unfit. bolkestein also looks at gas-flaring through rose-coloured glasses. According to him, Shell is on its way to solving that problem. The facts tell us otherwise. In 2005 more gas was flared than in 2002. Ending gas flaring costs 1.55 billion dollars. Shell says it wants to invest this money, but in a another three years. Why wait so long? Sinds 1984, gas-flaring is illegal and the High Court of Nigeria ruled in 2005 that gas flaring is in breach of the constitutional rights of people. Is Shell above the law? Every year that gas flaring goes on means an enormous contribution to climate change and a continued exposure for local people to posinous substances that can lead to diseases such as asthma and cancer. Reason enough to stop flaring as soon as possible. Contrary to what Bolkestein suggests, Friends of the Earth is in dialogue with Shell. However, experience has shown us that talking will get us nowhere if there is no public pressure on Shell. This is why we combine dialogue with publicity. Problems are not solved by ignoring them. Bolkestein would serve Shell better not by being cricitcal and not trying to cover up its problems. The company should start cleaning up the pollution it has caused as soon as possible. Frank Köhler, director Milieudefensie |
