Extinction Rebellion activists blockade Shell HQ in protest over climate crisis: Climate change activists have blocked the entrance to the headquarters of the oil company Shell in Aberdeen.
Extinct Rebellion Members of Scotland began their protest on the premises on Altens Farm Road at half-past six on Thursday, saying they plan to stay there all day.
The group said it had secured entrances with lock-on equipment and XR Scotland’s large purple boat with the main entrance, named Amal Gauss.
They said they plan to close the building to disrupt business and account for its role in the shell catch climate crisis.
Police said they were called to the scene at around 645 am on Thursday.
One of the protesters, who gave his name as Paul, 43, from Aberdeenshire, said: “If the whole world reaches zero carbon emissions by 2030, we only have a 45% chance of staying down (increased by 2C).
“These have been terrible obstacles; and by committing for decades of continuous production in the future, Shell is literally destroying our future.”
“The more successful fossil fuel companies like Shell are, the worse our future is going to be. We have to stop them from acting as if their product does not harm.”
The purple boat bears the words “the future you fear is already here”, a reminder that “catastrophic” climate change is already underway across the planet.
The action is part of a two-week campaign by the Rig Rebellion 2.0, Extinct Rebellion Scotland, targeting the fossil fuel industry and institutions that support it.
A Shell spokesperson said: “The growing awareness of climate change that we have seen in recent months is a good thing. As a company, we agree that urgent action is needed.
“What really accelerates change is an effective policy, investment in technology innovation and deployment, and changing customer behaviour.
“As we move to a low-carbon future, we are committed to playing our role, addressing our own emissions and helping customers to make up their shortages – because we all have a role to play.”
Police said officers were at the scene of a ‘peaceful protest’ outside the shell complex.
Aberdeen South’s Local Area Commander Chief Inspector Davy Hovison said: “The road was blocked from around 645 am on Thursday, January 16 and road users are advised to avoid the area for the time being.
“We are making contact with both Shell and the protest organizers, the extinct rebellion.”
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