Shell agrees to settle $2.1m lawsuit over Greenpeace protest
GuardianDec 08
Shell, Greenpeace Settle North Sea Protest Lawsuit
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Above: Greenpeace activists hold aloft a flag on a rib after attempting to board a Shell oil platform on Jan. 31, 2023. Image copyright: Handout/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
In the case between oil company Shell and environmental group Greenpeace, Greenpeace has agreed to donate £300K (US$382K) to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, without accepting liability or paying money directly to Shell.
The case stems from a January 2023 incident in which Greenpeace activists boarded Shell's White Marlin vessel near the Canary Islands, occupying it for 13 days to protest oil drilling.
The Spin
Narrative A
This settlement represents a major victory for Greenpeace, showcasing its resilience against SLAPP lawsuits designed to silence criticism. By turning the lawsuit into a PR disaster for Shell and securing funding to fight climate change, Greenpeace has demonstrated the power of public and grassroots support. This success will embolden future actions to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for its dangerous environmental impact.
Narrative B
Greenpeace's victory over Shell reflects performative activism rather than genuine environmental progress. Historical links to elite agendas, such as the Rockefeller family's climate narrative, suggest its motives are far from independent. Even its co-founder, Patrick Moore, has criticized the group for abandoning rationality and aligning with controversial climate claims. By perpetuating fear instead of addressing evidence-based solutions, Greenpeace undermines its credibility.
