– We do not see it positively when the fossil industry takes people’s lives, said the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
– We are tired of empty words and greenwashing.
Together with demonstrators from Extinction Rebellion, she blocked an entrance gate to Kårstø.
There were also demonstrators at sea.
Activists also arrived with eight kayaks and three motorboats in what is referred to as the safety zone at the facility, according to the organization itself.
The Southwest police district informed NRK on Saturday evening that there are no longer any demonstrators at Kårstø.
The police have also left the site.
A smaller boat from the Coast Guard set out to meet the activists.
Photo: Thomas Ystrøm / NRK
Equinor: Operations are proceeding as normal
The purpose of the action was said to be to prevent the normal operation of the facility.
It is described as Europe’s largest onshore processing plant for gas and light oil.
Every day, gas valued at approximately 400 million kroner is processed through the facility. A shutdown could have consequences for gas supplies to Europe.
As of Saturday evening, the facility continued to operate normally, according to Equinor.
The facility is owned by Gassled. Gassco is the operator and Equinor is responsible for operations.
Security was increased at the facility.
Photo: Gisle Jørgensen / NRK
Thunberg: – There is no plan for phasing out
The action from Extinction Rebellion took place two days before the energy conference ONS starts in Stavanger next week.
According to Extinction Rebellion, this is the first time Greta Thunberg has acted against Norwegian oil and gas.
– There is no plan whatsoever to phase out fossil fuels anywhere near the pace required to avoid the worst consequences of the climate crisis, said Thunberg.
– We are in an acute escalating climate crisis.
The police arrived at Kårstø shortly after 10:00 AM.
Photo: Gisle Jørgensen / NRK
Equinor employee participated in the action
The action was reportedly planned for several months. A geologist employed by Equinor also participated.
– Despite the fact that I love my job, I am here because the situation is so serious and far too little is being done. I am concerned about my children’s future. We need Equinor and politicians to create a plan for phasing out oil and gas now, says geologist at Equinor, Daniel Sollien.
– I have thought about this for many years, but now it is very easy. It is the right thing to do. I know that, says Sollien.
Daniel Sollien normally works for Equinor. Now he is protesting against his employer. – I could not look away and do nothing and try to give it attention any longer, that is why I am sitting here, he tells NRK.
Photo: Gisle Jørgensen / NRK
Thunberg on the geologist: – Brave
– There are many in the industry who are worried about change. It is very brave to set an example like Daniel, says Greta Thunberg to NRK.
Gassco, the operator at the Kårstø facility, told NRK earlier on Saturday that they were aware that climate activists were at the site.
Communications director Randi Viksund said at the time that the facility was operational but that they were monitoring the situation.
Climate activists from Extinction Rebellion were in what is defined as a safety zone outside the Kårstø processing facility.
Photo: Thomas Ystrøm / NRK
Published
24.08.2024, at 09:51
Updated
24.08.2024, at 21:29