For immediate release
Paris, France – Today French oil giant Total announced that it will maintain fossil fuel assets in Russia – despite other oil majors including Shell and BP yesterday bowing to pressure to cut their ties with Russian fossil fuel companies, projects and the fossil gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 to Germany. The Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, will meet with Total CEO, Patrick Pouyanné, in the coming days to discuss the controversial decision.
Isabelle L’Héritier lead campaigner for 350.org in France said:
“It is outrageous that Total refuses to withdraw from fossil fuel projects in Russia. Oil giants BP and Shell have both announced plans to drop holdings, worth tens of billions, in Russian fossil fuels. It is an important first step and now we need to see more companies, like Total and Exxon, pulling their support for fossil fuel projects in Russia and around the world. If they actually deliver then this could be a huge blow to the Russian oil giant Rosneft, it will cause lasting damage to the firm’s reputation, but it is vital for the climate that BP and Shell don’t just sell on their assets to the highest bidder, they must write them off.
Once again, we see Total putting profit before people – as they have done, and continue to do in countries including Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania and Argentina. In response, Ugandan activists fighting Total’s East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline will come to France from March 10-25 to denounce Total’s corporate greed and destructive fossil fuel projects that are fueling military conflicts, climate chaos and human rights violations. In solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we call on Total to cut all their ties with the Russian oil and gas industry, including their participation in Russian fossil fuel giant Novatek (19.14%) and projects Yamal LNG (20%) and Arctic LNG 2 (10%), and to make a firm commitment to put human rights above corporate profits wherever they operate.
The sustainable option, for peace and for the climate, is to accelerate the community-led transition to distribute renewable energy for all that brings energy security and stability. To achieve that, we must dismantle the violent systems of oppression underpinning the fossil fuel industry that allow corporations like Exxon, Total, Shell and BP to exploit coal, oil & gas around the world.”
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Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Mark Raven, [email protected], +447841474125
- Available for interview: Isabelle L’Héritier lead campaigner for 350.org in France
- Opposition parties in France are demanding the government clarify their position and call for Total to divest, ahead of Presidential elections next month