Two Greenpeace activists scaled the InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane to hang a banner saying “Make Big Oil Pay” in protest against an oil and gas industry summit inside. They want oil companies like Shell to contribute money to help nations affected by climate change. Demonstrators, including Greta Thunberg, who was later arrested by police, blocked entrances to prevent delegates entering the conference. The protest outside the hotel, organised by Fossil Free London, took place on the first of the three day Energy Intelligence Forum.
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Trillions in climate damage
Early in the morning, a team of Greenpeace climbers made their way up the facade of the hotel in London’s Mayfair district and unfurled banners reading “Climate Emergency” and “Crisis for Sale”.
Greenpeace wants big fossil fuel companies to contribute to a Loss and Damage Fund agreed by world leaders last year, money from which goes to help nations vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. A recent report found that climate change caused USD 2.8 trillion of damage between 2000 and 2019.
The wider message was clear: it’s time for governments and corporations to take meaningful and immediate action to combat climate change. The protest aimed to draw attention to the pressing need for concrete steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources and protect the world’s ecosystems.
Ms Thurmberg said: “Behind these closed doors… spineless politicians are making deals and compromises with lobbyists from destructive industries – the fossil fuel industry. That is why we have to take direct action to stop this and to kick oily money out of politics.”
Urgency in the face of climate crisis
Greenpeace sought to challenge the status quo by highlighting the need for systemic change, both in the way we live and the way businesses operate. The recent floods, wildfires and extreme weather events around the world serve as stark reminders of the environmental havoc we are currently witnessing. Greenpeace’s actions symbolise the frustration and concern shared by many who demand accountability from those in power.
