This is what you are signing against at savecanarias.org It will make you feel good, when you do it! No oil drilling at the Canary Islands / Save the Canary Islands Mr. Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament Mr. José Manuel Durao Barroso, president of the European Commission Mr. Mariano Rajoy Brey, president of Spanish Government CC: Mr. Antonio Brufau, president of REPSOL CC.: Mr. Peter Terium, Chief Executive Officer of RWE Dea Energy CC.: Mr. Michael Chaney, WOODSIDE´s Chairman Dear Sirs, I am aware that the Spanish Government approved the beginning of oil exploration drilling in the Atlantic Ocean, close to the Canary Islands, in March 2012. I have also been informed that the drilling zone will be situated at just 10 kilometres from the main beaches of the island of Fuerteventura and 18 kilometres from the island of Lanzarote, both of which are designated United Nations Biosphere Reserves. The Canary Islands are one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the world, receiving more than 12 millions visitors annually. These visitors enjoy the islands’ beaches, nature, climate and landscapes as well as the culture of their hospitable inhabitants. I have learned that the oil drilling will take place at a depth of more than 5,000 metres, below a seabed situated in ultra-deep waters more than 1,500 meters below the surface of the sea. Furthermore, this ocean floor has recorded consistently intense seismic activity. This undoubtedly increases the risk to the islands, given that 100% of the drinking water is obtained from the sea. Should a black tide similar to that of the Mexican Gulf in 2010 occur, the consequences would be catastrophic for millions of people, and for the future of this archipelago. Simply stated: none of the eight Canary Islands would be saved in the case of a great spill in the area. This archipelago of 7.000 km² hosts more than 19.000 species of flora and fauna, of which 5,000 are unique on the planet. Furthermore, the Canaries feature four National Parks, and more than 47% of the islands’ territory is protected by agreements and laws of the United Nations, the European Union and Spain. However, the Spanish authorities and the three multinational companies responsible for this project (REPSOL, RWE and WOODSIDE) have taken these values in a minimum consideration, and they also not taken into account the criteria of the Canary Islands Governement, nor that of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura’s Council. Our most elementary democratic and ethical codes are being infringed upon. Numerous people and organizations have joined together to reject this project. This list includes: European Universities, the United States of America, scientific committees of more than 100 countries, UICN, organizations like Oceana, Greenpeace, WWF, Friends of Earth, SECAC (Society for the Studies of Cetaceans on the Canary Archipelago), cultural, artistic, social foundations and hundreds of thousands of individuals. It is absolutely clear that this project is incompatible with the protection of the environment, as well as with energy models that should be developed to take care of our planet. Renowned European tour operators have also alerted about the threat of oil drilling, as they may seriously damage the tourism sector, which is the main economic resource of the Canary Islands. Reduction of the effects of climate change is a responsibility of all Earth’ inhabitants, therefore it is absolutely essential that we reduce the use of fossil fuel and substitute it for renewable energy. The Canaries have the perfect climatic conditions to achieve this important goal. Consequently, I kindly ask for your involvement, as a matter of urgency, to definitively stop this environmental threat and promote energy models that benefit the common good. In today’s world projects of extreme environmental risk which only benefit the multinational oil companies, have no place in a free, democratic and sensible society such as ours. As a distinguished representative of the people, it is absolutely essential to demonstrate, especially in these times of great distrust, that our politicians are working hard to defend our rights against private interests. Thank you very much Privacy Policy Savecanarias.org has a very simple and effective privacy policy, as the Association (Ben Magec-Ecologistas en Acción) does not conduct or engage in commercial or advertising activities of any kind either by e-mail or through any other system: The Association may send you relevant information about the campaign against oil drilling in the Canaries, or about any topic related to this goal. The Association certifies that it will not use, advertise or share data supplied by users with third parties or organizations or individuals that have not been authorized in advance by users. After signing the petition, you will receive a first email of thanks in which you will find a corporate email address. If you are willing to, you will be able to give your authorization to be included in the mailing list for more detailed information on the environmental campaign and its evolution.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Jul 2013 17:59:57 +0000
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