Climate Activists Sing, Disrupt Shell Meeting In London

There was a commotion at ExCeL. Fossil Free London protesters caused it. They wanted to get to the stage with the shareholders.

Climate activists caused disruption during Shell’s yearly shareholder meeting in London and demanded an end to oil and gas extraction. Nearly 100 protestors took part.

During the CEO's opening remarks, lots of protesters sang "Go to Hell Shell" to the tune of "Hit the Road Jack". Some also gave speeches criticizing the fossil fuel company.

Around 20 people tried to take over the stage while shouting "stop Shell".

Earlier this year, Shell made €36 billion profits, the most in its 115-year history. They're still working on getting fossil fuels even with warnings from the International Energy Agency. The warnings say the new fossile fuel projects will go over global warming limits agreed on internationally.

Joanna Warrington from Fossil Free London said Shell is starting a fire in our home to make a lot of money. They need to be stopped. The group caused a disturbance in the ExCeL Centre in east London.

Oil and gas cause extreme weather and climate disasters. Floods in Pakistan and heatwaves in the UK are examples. Shell, however, is increasing its use of these harmful fuels.

Many protesters from various groups like Extinction Rebellion, Greenpeace and Fossil Free London came together. They were outside the venue in Docklands, East London. These groups were protesting against Shell.

Investors Lash Out At Shell's Internal Issues

Big oil and gas companies are facing pressure from activists. It is not just one company facing such pressure. These companies are large and powerful. Activists want them to change their behavior. Some argue that the companies should move away from fossil fuels. This is because of the negative impact they have on the environment. The companies are also facing criticism for their treatment of employees and local communities.

The shareholders of Shell are mad about the environment. Nest, the biggest pension scheme in the UK, is one of those who voted against the company's chair and resolution about energy transition.

Nest and some others don't like Shell's plan. Shell's plan doesn't have goals to reduce indirect pollution from suppliers. This pollution is called 'scope 3 emissions'. Nest wants targets for reducing this pollution.

The Church of England owns a bit of Shell. They said they will vote against Sawan and Sir Andrew Mackenzie who are in charge of Shell today.

Last year, oil and gas companies earned a lot of money from expensive energy prices. This was a great chance to invest in a low-carbon economy. The Church Commissioners manage a fund worth £10bn (€9bn). Olga Hancock, who is in charge of responsible investment, said this opportunity was missed.

Laura Hoy from Hargreaves Lansdown says Shell and BP have backed away from their climate promises. This is a problem for investors who need to think about governance. It's a big risk.

Shell has made huge profits, but a lot of people in the UK can't afford fuel. More than seven million people are dealing with fuel poverty, says a group called the End Fuel Poverty coalition. People are starting to question Shell, not just the people who own shares.

The Make My Money Matter campaign did a study. They found out that the usual UK pension gives more than £900 to Shell. A survey also showed that over 8 million people in the UK do not want their pensions to go to fossil fuels.

Warrington claims that Shell makes billions while people struggle with high energy bills. She says they profit from fuel poverty and war in Ukraine.

Stop new oil and gas to secure a safe climate and affordable energy. We urge Shell and Wael Sawan to shut down. Their fat paychecks should not cloud their judgment. If they refuse, expect a mass protest to force them to comply.

Shell Boosts Meeting Security With Tighter Measures

The AGM is happening at ExCeL. ExCeL is big and has held many events before.

Climate campaigners were moved by one particular purpose. The purpose has touched them deeply. It resonated with them. They found it very important. This purpose is significant to them. It has captured their attention. It is something they strongly support. It has become a focus for them. They are passionate about it.

Robin Wells, who directs Fossil Free London, says that the Excel Centre is a fortified place where international arms traders have gathered for years during the DSEI Arms Fair.

Shell, who experienced their AGM being closed last year, are now hiding with arms dealers. This is not a coincidence.

The oil company had its AGM in a new location. They never had it there before. Last year they had it in Central Hall Westminster. In the year 2011, they had it in Barbican arts centre.

Shell's AGM has become more security-conscious lately. The attendees have been told that they may be searched in 2022. This year's notice includes a warning that any behavior that could cause a disturbance will not be tolerated. People who don't comply may be given the boot without notice.

Sir Andrew Mackenzie's letter says that some people who attended meetings in the past caused problems. This made the meetings unsafe.

Campaigners have not been deterred by the increased security at the ExCeL centre. Fossil Free London was able to disrupt BP's AGM in April.

Four protestors were taken out of BP's shareholder meeting quickly when the chair started talking. Helge Lund was only talking for 10 minutes.

Wells says they will still fight for human lives no matter what. Security and laws can't stop them. Losing everything is the worst, but they are ready for whatever comes their way.

Shell spokesperson acknowledged the protest. Shell is respectful of people's right to express their opinion. Constructive engagement on the strategy and energy transition is welcomed by Shell.

The protestors have once again proven that they do not want to engage in constructive conversations.

We think that society must do something about climate change. Shell plans to be a net-zero emissions energy company by 2050. Our climate targets match the Paris Agreement's more ambitious goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.