Don’t greenwash oil and gas decision

The Greenpeace flagship, Rainbow Warrior, is coming to New Zealand this month, travelling to various locations to celebrate the announcement in June 2018 by the government that there would be no more new offshore oil exploration permits. This will not affect existing permits many of which continue to 2030 nor ongoing onshore drilling/ fracking in Taranaki.

While I have the utmost respect for Greenpeace and the great work they do fighting climate change, I would point out that we in Taranaki cannot immerse ourselves in this celebration, as we continue to face the tyranny of oil giants like OMV, Todd energy and Tamarind Ltd poisoning the land and water for profit.

The time for an end to fossil fuels and for harnessing renewable energy has long passed its due date if we are to prevent rapid escalation of climate change.

This industry greenwashes the community with so called conservation initiatives, environmental community projects and advertising on sustainability while simultaneously seismic blasting offshore Taranaki, in the middle of sperm whale territory.

These token ‘‘green’’ efforts and the industry spin about natural gas as a ‘bridge fuel’ are a smokescreen that hides the industry’s huge contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

I welcome the Rainbow warrior visit as this represents a small victory, saying no to new offshore drilling. However, let’s not greenwash the visit, especially here in Taranaki where the fight against the continuous ‘‘cups of chemicals’’ from drilling and fracking continues. Kathleen Cole, New Plymouth