BORDEAUX: Greta Thunberg, the renowned ecological activist, participated in a protest against the proposed oil wells in the south-west of France. The demonstration was organized by the “Stop Petrole Bassin d’Arcachon” group, which opposes oil drilling in the vicinity of the popular seaside resort, Arcachon. While the group claimed that 3,000 individuals attended the protest, the police estimated the number to be around 1,200.
Natalie Herve, a spokesperson for the group, emphasized the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels and urged the rejection of the oil drilling project.Thunberg, who had previously joined a demonstration against a local highway, attended the protest in the region.
Dressed in a pink raincoat and a Palestinian keffiyeh, she didn’t address the crowd directly but expressed her opposition through dance and slogans in both French and English.
The proposed oil wells are planned by Vermilion Energy, a Canadian company that holds a concession near Arcachon until 2035. Currently, around 50 wells in the area produce a total of 1,500 barrels of oil per day. The project is still awaiting approval, and opponents are actively working to prevent its authorization.
France had previously made a commitment to cease domestic oil production by 2040, as voted by the government in 2017. However, the Minister of Ecological Transition, Christophe Bechu, recently stated that as long as France continues to rely on oil, it is preferable to source it locally rather than from distant regions.
The protest led by Greta Thunberg and the “Stop Petrole Bassin d’Arcachon” group highlights the growing concern and opposition towards oil drilling in the region. The push for a transition towards sustainable energy sources gains momentum as activists and environmentalists advocate for a greener future.
(With agency inputs)