Greenpeace activist scaling the Polar Pioneer. Photo credit: Greenpeace

By Anders Lorenzen

One of the Greenpeace activists involved in the Polar Pioneer action, Johno Smith from New Zealand, said: “We’re here to highlight that in less than 100 days Shell is going to the Arctic to drill for oil. This pristine environment needs protecting for future generations and all life that will call it home. But instead, Shell’s actions are exploiting the melting ice to increase a manmade disaster. Climate change is real and already inflicting pain and suffering on my brothers and sisters in the Pacific.’’

Last time Shell attempted Arctic oil drilling, their other rig, the Kulluk, ran aground off the Alaskan coast, exposing them-them to criticism from all corners of the earth, including US President Barack Obama. The next 100 days will tell whether they have got their house in order this time.