Drilling threat (From Western Telegraph)

Drilling threat

10:16am Wednesday 4th July 2012 in Letters

It was with great dismay that I learned that Shell is proposing to drill for oil in the Arctic. I perceive this as a threat to us all because of the potential for pollution, which would be catastrophic for the environment. How easy would it be to undertake the necessary actions to deal with an oil spill in such a hostile environment? It would cause untold damage in a polar area.

Have we forgotten the Deepwater Horizon oil spill just two years ago? That spill caused extensive damage to the marine and wildlife habitats in the area, which in turn had a knock on effect on the fishing & tourism industries. What effect would oil drilling in the Arctic have on the indigenous communities and their need to fish for their livelihood?

Global warming and climate change are constantly in the news due to the loss of the polar ice cap. Not only would the increased use of fossil fuels obtained add to the amount of carbon dioxide released, it would lead to the destruction of the polar ice cap, which in turn would reduce the amount of solar radiation that is reflected back into space thus exacerbating the problem.

In the last 30 years we have lost 75% of the Arctic sea ice which is effecting polar bears, in their search for food for survival. Should we not be reducing our dependency on fossil fuels? If Shell are permitted to drill in the Arctic what will be the legacy for future generations?

There are so many people in Pembrokeshire who are concerned about the environment and living in a more sustainable way that I thought this issue should be drawn to their attention.

Further information can be found at http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/savethearctic or views can be tweeted to #SaveTheArctic R Mitchell Pembroke