I can’t remember ever hearing a statement like this before, but the CEO of French Total has completely surprised many environmentalists. Christophe de Margerie stated that the environmental risks of drilling in the Artic outweighed the potential commercial benefits. He was quoted as saying that “Oil on Greenland would be disaster” and in the interview he also said that it would do much damage to their image.

You can catch the interview on M6 Replay the French media channel if you’re quick. Outside France you need to sometimes use a French proxy for most items although sometimes you can see news stuff without being blocked. It’s a stance unfortunately not shared by most other oil companies who are drilling in the Artic area. Many companies have signed deals to look at the far North deposits too including Shell and Exxon Mobil. Other companies like BP are using partners in Russia to try and carve a niches there.

But stop and think for a moment – what does it really mean when an Oil company itself say that the environmental risk is too great. These are the guys who cause environmental damage all over the world, when one of their own says it’s risky you better take notice! Of course it’s probably driven by self preservation rather than any real care about the environment. Total have just had a massive fine for some pollution in the Erika oil disaster – so it’s likely this had some bearing.

Nobody should drill for all in the Artic, it’s too important. The eco system is too delicate, the ice is already melting due to global warming. Are massive numbers of Oil rigs burning fuel really going to do anything more than huge environmental harm. The ice at the top of the planet reflects heat back and helps keep our planet cooler. To allow companies to mess around with something as important as the Artic for the sake of their profit margins is insane. If you agree I urge you to go here and sign the petition http://www.savethearctic.org/.