Shell Downplays Crude Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico (Video)

On May the 12th Shell claims that its offshore Brutus platform spewed 88,200 gallons of crude (2,100 barrels) into the Gulf of Mexico. The spill in Shell's Glider field created a 13 mile long by 2 mile wide oil slick in an area 97 miles south of Port Fourchon, Louisiana. Shell offered the standard commentaries as dictated by their post-spill public relations protocols. The incident has been contained the said and "cleanup operations are underway." Shell spokesperson Kimberly Windon added, "no release is acceptable, and safety remains our priority as we respond to this incident."

Greenpeace Stalls Arctic Drilling by Blocking Shell's Ice Breaker (Video)

Late in July an icebreaker that is crucial to Shell's drilling operation in the Arctic sea was turned back by Greenpeace activists in Portland, Oregon. Activists spent almost 2 days suspended from St. Johns Bridge, while others took to kayaks in Willamette River below. However they managed to block Shell's icebreaker, the MSV Fennica from leaving the city on July 30th. The emergency equipment on-board the Fennica is essential for Shell's drilling activities in the Arctic.

Video - Ice Ride: The Global Bike Ride to Defend the Arctic

As the Arctic sea ice reaches another historic low, thousands of us will take to the streets to challenge big oil.Grab some wheels, hit the streets and join the global movement to defend the Arctic. Ice Ride is a free and fun day of action happening in cities and towns all over the world.

Ice Ride: Critical Mass for the Arctic

On September 15, 2013, people across Canada are going on an Ice Ride for the Arctic. Join us in helping to build a critical mass of support for the protection of the Arctic. Whether you bike, roller blade or skate board, get involved this Sunday September 15th and bring your family and friends in a ride for the Arctic. This is but one of many events taking place for the national event known as "A Day of Arctic Action."

A Day of Arctic Action (September 15, 2013)

The Arctic is a precious and fragile ecosystem that regulates the climate of the entire planet. Sadly it is under siege from melting polar ice caps due to global warming and a growing invasion of companies seeking to exploit its fossil fuel reserves and mineral deposits.

To date there 36 countries participating, 106 events and over 14,000 people all trying to help raise awareness about the need to protect the Arctic from companies like Shell. 

Shell Pauses its Arctic Drilling for 2013

On Wednesday, February 27th, Royal Dutch Shell PLC announced it will suspend offshore petroleum drilling in the Arctic Ocean for 2013. The Arctic is already suffering from the effects of climate change and Arctic drilling further endangers the rich ecosystem and puts a wide range of animal species at risk.

Last year Shell drilled in both the Chukchi Sea off Alaska's northwest coast and in the Beaufort Sea off the state's north coast.

However Shell's operations in the far north have been plagued by problems. At the end of 2012, the Kulluk one of Shell's oil rigs, broke free and ran aground in rough seas.

Shell Oil President Marvin Odum described the decision as a "pause" to "to ensure the readiness of all our equipment and people following the drilling season in 2012."