Shell Abandons Arctic Drilling

After encountering crude deposits of disappointing size, Shell has decided to withdraw from oil exploration in the arctic, meaning that, at least for now, the assault on that pristine environment will not go forward.  Obviously, it’s a great moment for people who care about a sustainable course to energy, mitigating climate change, and all those things that are meaningful to folks of conscience.

Of course, Shell’s changing its plans happened as a result of the disheartening results of its preliminary drilling, rather than (at least it claims) the fact that millions of people all over the world were protesting angrily against the oil behemoth and its activities.   I had to smile when I read the article and came across this quote:

Kumi Naidoo, the head of Greenpeace International, heralded the news. “This is a defining day for the Arctic. It’s a huge victory for the millions of people who stood up against Shell and a disaster for other oil companies with interests in the region,” he said. “Shell has gambled big and lost big, both in terms of financial cost and its public reputation. This has become the most controversial oil project in the world, and despite its bluster Shell has been forced to walk away with nothing.”

It’s a bit like being confronted by a shark in the ocean who decides not to eat you, not because it wanted to spare you, but because it decided you wouldn’t taste good.