Shell agrees to settle $2.1m lawsuit over Greenpeace protest
GuardianNOV 2024
Shell, Greenpeace Settle North Sea Protest Lawsuit
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 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.