Extinction Rebellion activists were part of the protest
Climate activists, trade Unionists, councillors, and local people demanded action against pipeline operator Perenco on Poole, Dorset, on Monday.
Extinction Rebellion (XR) Wimborne donned pink hazmat suits while they drummed and chanted, and people made speeches calling for Perenco’s drilling license to be removed.
A major incident was declared after 200 barrels of reservoir fluid—85 percent water and 15 percent oil—spilt from Perenco’s Wytch Farm oil field into the water. Poole Harbour is an area of extraordinary and unique biodiversity, which the fossil fuel industry has now put at risk. The RSPB charity stated that oiled birds have been spotted in the area.
The global oil drilling company which controls the Wytch Farm oilfield is owned by the multibillionaire François Perrodo. The amateur racing driver, who owns 46 luxury sports cars, took control of the company in 2016.
Perenco claims “he gave a new course to the company and changed the management team with a view to balance growth and profitability while respecting people and the environment.”
A clean-up operation is underway—but had corners been cut in search of profits? A spill like this highlights the urgent need to end oil and gas drilling, especially in areas as significant for nature as this.
Bosses are obsessed with making cuts
Another year of inaction from our rulers
