WWF statement on Shell’s decision to end offshore exploration in Alaska

Toronto, September 28, 2015 – In response to Royal Dutch Shell’s decision to abandon efforts to drill in Alaska’s Arctic Ocean, World Wildlife Fund Canada issued the following statement from David Miller, President and CEO, WWF-Canada.
 

“In light of international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to increase sustainable energy production, global energy demands are shifting rapidly away from fossil fuels. As a result, there is diminishing need to find new sources of oil and gas – especially in remote and highly risky places like the Arctic Ocean.

Today’s announcement by Shell, and previous announcements from Imperial Oil and Chevron, are a reflection of the economic reality of offshore exploration. We now know it is not worth the economic, social and environmental costs. It is now time for energy companies and governments to end environmentally risky Arctic offshore exploration plans for good and focus instead on Arctic development that respects the limits of nature and communities and is compatible with global targets for climate change.”
 

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Notes to editors: Earlier this year, Chevron and Imperial Oil informed the Canadian National Energy Board that they would not apply as planned for an exemption from the same season relief well (SSRW) capacity requirement. WWF-Canada, in partnership with EcoJustice, has been working for several years to defend the SSRW. For more information about how an oil spill may travel and affect communities, ecosystems and wildlife, see arcticspills.wwf.ca   
 

For more information:

Rebecca Spring, Communications Specialist WWF-Canada, (647) 338-6274 [email protected]