Climate campaigners have responded to Shell boss Wael Sawan’s claims that cutting oil production would be “dangerous and irresponsible”, saying the fossil fuel company is driven by its own interests.
In an interview with the BBC’s Simon Jack, the CEO said: “The reality is the energy system of today continues to desperately need oil and gas, and before we are able to let go of that we need to make sure we have developed the energy systems of the future and we are not yet collectively moving at the pace that is required for that to happen”
He added that he disagreed with UN secretary general Antonio Guterres’ statement that it is “economic and moral madness” to continue to look for new oil and gas, ading that not doing so would have an impact on the cost of living and global equality.
It comes after Shell’s head of renewable energy Thomas Bromstrom quit, amid much criticism of Shell and other oil and gas companies for greenwashing via sponsorship deals.
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Bad faith arguments from #Shell CEO Wael Sawan in conversation with @BBCSimonJack. Shell say they can’t cut #oil & #gas 📉 production because the world is not yet producing enough clean energy. Truth is Shell cut #renewable capex & their team lead left https://t.co/JOqyiRcs7X pic.twitter.com/TB28LegTSt
— Carbon Tracker (@CarbonBubble) July 6, 2023
Finance specialists Carbon Tracker described the words of the fossil fuel boss as “bad faith arguments”, questioning the motives behind the claims.
“Shell say that can’t cut oil and gas production because the world is not yet producing enough clean energy. Truth is Shell cut renewable capex and their team lead left,” the NGO stated.
Greenpeace UK said Sawan is “gaslighting” the public, adding that he “knows full well that burning more planet-heating fossil fuels while global temperature records are broken, is what’s really ‘dangerous’ and irresponsible”.
Climate Analytics co-head of policy Claire Fyson said: “The idea that it’s a choice between our addiction to fossil fuels or working by candlelight is a gross misrepresentation”.
“The idea that it’s a choice between our addiction to #fossilfuels or working by candlelight is a gross misrepresentation of reality” – @CFyson rebuts claims from Shell boss that the world still “desperately needs” oil and gas.https://t.co/AbHHxPhGzg
— Climate Analytics (@CA_Latest) July 6, 2023
Friends of the Earth said it was “ironic” for Shell to call anything dangerous and irresponsible.
“Let’s be clear, companies like Shell are fuelling the climate crisis and the soaring cost of energy. They are profiting from the misery of ordinary people while destroying the planet.”
