Greenpeace ends blockade at Shell Albian Sands tar sands mine

FORT MCMURRAY, AB, Sept. 16 /CNW/ - Greenpeace has ended its blockade at Shell's Albian Sands mine after successfully bringing international attention to the climate crime of tar sands operations.

"We went in on the eve of the meeting in Washington between Prime Minister Harper and President Obama to send a message that climate leaders don't buy tar sands," said Mike Hudema, Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner. "It's clear from their meeting today that our work is not yet done. Greenpeace will continue to expose the climate crime of the tar sands."

The Greenpeace blockade began at 8 a.m. Tuesday 15 September 2009 when 25 activists went into the Shell mine and blockaded a giant shovel and two giant trucks. At one point the whole mining operation was shut down in response to the Greenpeace blockade. The activists stayed for more than 30 hours to focus attention on the urgent need for action on climate change.

"Through this action, Greenpeace put this destruction centre stage to show the world why we must stop the tar sands," said Hudema. "Greenpeace will press world leaders to make strong commitments to fighting climate change, that means stopping the tar sands and embracing a clean energy future."

With only 80 days remaining before the United Nations climate conference in Copenhagen , the Greenpeace blockade brought a much needed focus on the threat of catastrophic climate change caused by the world's addiction to oil.

Through its KYOTOplus campaign, Greenpeace Canada is working to convince the Harper government to become a leader at the United Nations climate conference in Copenhagen in December.

For further information: Jessica Wilson, Greenpeace media and public relations officer, [phone]; Mike Hudema, Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner, [phone]