Environmental activists interrupted a TED Countdown conference in Edinburgh to confront Royal Dutch Shell CEO, Ben van Beurden who was part of the panel, over the alleged crimes being perpetrated by the company, especially in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that at a pre-COP26 conference held in October, activists urged organisers of TED Countdown to remove van Beurden from the panel, saying a fossil fuel company, like Shell, is not in the position to speak at an event that puts itself as a “global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis”.
Their calls were however disregarded and van Beurden was allowed to maintain his speaking slot on the main stage.
Lauren, a young activist who was called to the stage, seized the occasion to lambast the Shell CEO and said he is “one of the most evil people in the world”.
She criticised Shell and Siccar Point Energy for steaming ahead with the Cambo oil field during the climate crisis.
Lauren told Shell CEO that he should be “absolutely ashamed” at the devastation the oil company has caused to communities around the world, stating they are responsible for “so much death and suffering”.
Accusing Shell of being one of the main drivers of the climate crisis, Lauren asked why Shell is appealing the recent court ruling by Dutch authorities that Shell must decrease its emissions by 2030.
Van Beurden had his head bowed and did not give a straight answer to the question.
Lauren then said: “I hope that you know that we will never forget what you have done and what Shell has done.
“I hope you know that as the climate crisis gets more and more deadly, you will be to blame. And I will not be sharing this platform with you anymore.”
Protestors holding large white banners which read “No future in fossil fuels” took over the front of the stage while Lauren removed her microphone and left.
See video below:
