This morning the Guardian newspaper reported that BP has pulled out of bidding for a controversial drilling licence off the West Coast of Greenland in the Arctic.
Speaking from the Greenpeace ship Esperanza, which is currently anchored near Cairn Energy's drilling rig off the West coast of Greenland, Greenpeace climate campaigner Jon Burgwald said:
"BP's decision is a real blow for other companies hoping to join a new oil rush here in Greenland's icy waters. It's a tacit admission that Arctic drilling is hugely risky and will put any company on a fast track to public condemnation.
"Whatever these companies say, there is no credible plan for dealing with a spill out here because winter ice makes any clean up attempt practically impossible. The threat of climate change means it's time to go beyond oil, but Cairn Energy is going backwards."
According to the Associate Press news agency, BP spokesman Robert Wine confirmed the company was aware of the current licensing round in Greenland, and was involved at an early stage. However, he says BP PLC 'decided not to proceed with a bid.'
For more information please call the Greenpeace press office on 0207 865 8255
