# WWF Agrees Shell plan to Drill Arctic Wrong

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/wwf-agrees-shell-plan-to-drill-arctic-wrong/
- Published: 2015-02-10T04:37:33-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Arctic Drilling: WWF Rejects Shell’s Plan

The World Wildlife Fund ([WWF](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/06/wwf-urges-new-measures-as-protected-areas-fail-high-seas-wildlife/))
has spoken out against Shell’s plans. Especially to drill for oil in the Arctic.
The WWF has also said that the risks of drilling in such a fragile [ecosystem](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/10/the-role-of-nature4climate-in-tackling-climate-change/)
are too high. Moreover that the potential damage to the environment would be [catastrophic](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/10/the-role-of-nature4climate-in-tackling-climate-change/).
Shell has been pressing ahead with its plans despite opposition from environmental
groups. I mean even and despite the fact that the US government has yet to approve
the drilling.

### Rejected Plans

The WWF’s rejection of Shell’s plan comes after the organization conducted its own
review of the company’s proposal. The review found that the risks of drilling in
the Arctic were too great, and that the potential consequences of an oil spill would
be devastating. The report also highlighted the fact that the Arctic is one of the
most pristine and [fragile ecosystems on the planet](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/01/glaciers-testament-fragility-of-our-planet/),
and that any damage caused by drilling would be difficult, if not impossible, to
repair.

![Arctic glaciers](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/
12/iceberg-antarctica-polar-blue-53389-2-1.jpg?resize=300%2C206&quality=52&ssl=1)

#### Shell on Defense

Shell has defended its plans, saying that it has taken all necessary precautions
to minimize the risks of a spill. However, the company’s assurances have not convinced
environmental groups, who have pointed to the disastrous consequences of the 2010
Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The spill was caused by an explosion
on the Deepwater Horizon [oil rig, which killed 11 people and caused an estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil to spill](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/exxon-oil-spill-byway-and-its-environmental-impact/)
into the Gulf of Mexico.

The WWF has called on Shell to abandon its plans to drill in the Arctic, and has
urged the US government to reject the company’s proposal. The organization has also
called for a moratorium on all drilling in the Arctic until the risks can be fully
assessed and appropriate safeguards put in place.

#### Conclusion

In conclusion, the WWF has rejected [Shell’s plans to drill for oil](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/shell-fails-to-contain-north-sea-spill/)
in the Arctic. Thereby citing the risks of drilling in such a fragile ecosystem 
as being too high. The organization has called for a moratorium on all drilling.
Especially in the Arctic until the risks can be fully assessed. Moreover, then appropriate
safeguards can be put in place. The potential consequences of an oil spill in the
Arctic would be catastrophic. So the damage caused would be difficult. I mean if
not impossible, to repair. It is therefore essential that all necessary precautions
are taken to protect this fragile ecosystem.

#### Sources:

 1. “Shell defends Arctic drilling plans.” BBC News. August 2015. [https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-33927125](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-33927125)
 2. [Deepwater Horizon oil spill.”](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/10/bp-gulf-oil-spill-effects-of-deepwater-horizon/)
    National Geographic. [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/oil-spills/deepwater-horizon-oil-spill/](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/oil-spills/deepwater-horizon-oil-spill/)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
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