Greenpeace Urges from Offshore Oil Rig: ‘Stop Fossil, Go Renewable!’ (Gallery)

Activists from the Greenpeace’s ship Rainbow Warrior have peacefully occupied the ‘Prezioso’ offshore oil rig in the Sicilian Channel, operated by the Italian oil company ENI. The activists unfurled a 120 meter square banner yesterday, depicting the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi with a satirical message promising more offshore drilling for Italy and Greenpeace’s demand STOP FOSSIL, GO RENEWABLE. 

Activists aboard a life raft have anchored to the base of the platform, displaying more pro-renewable banners.

Since sunrise yesterday morning, Greenpeace is protesting against an Italian governmental decree, the so called “Sblocca Italia” that aims to encourage offshore drilling, possibly leading to a substantial “fossil turn” in Italy’s energy strategy.

Check out the photo gallery. To view large photos, click on the "full screen" icon in the upper right corner.

Greenpeace Italy campaigner Andrea Boraschi said: “Italian national reserves of offshore oil are very scarce and of poor quality. Increasing offshore fossil production would represent a real menace to the Mediterranean environment and would derail Italy from the decarbonisation path, impacting on tourism and sustainable fisheries.”

On 23 and 24 October, EU leaders are expected to decide on their commitments beyond 2020 to tackle climate change.

“We will continue our protest, having gained strength and support from many local communities and local governments, as well as from European citizens. Italy should lead the EU to seriously tackle climate change, this is what we expect from the October meetings. Drilling the Mediterranean for a short supply of oil, in this scenario, should not be an option,” said Boraschi.

Greenpeace believes that ambitious targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (55%) as well as for renewables (45%) and energy efficiency (40%) should be adopted by the EU in the 2030 climate and energy package. Since Italy is currently holding the EU presidency, Greenpeace is directly asking Italy’s Prime Minister to promote an ambitious agreement among EU countries.

[mappress mapid=”14450″]