Update from Greenpeace action at Shell upgrader site in Alberta

FORT SASKATCHEWAN, AB, Oct. 3 /CNW/ - After nearly 12 hours, Greenpeace activists continue to occupy four structures of the expansion site at the Shell Scotford upgrader to expose the climate crime happening in the tar sands.

In response to Shell's comments to media requesting a meeting, Greenpeace is, as always, willing to meet with their officials to discuss their contribution to global climate change. Our campaigners on the ground have been in dialogue with Shell and will be meeting shortly.

"As long as Shell and other companies commit climate crimes, and as long as world leaders fail to impose regulations to limit this destruction, we will continue to take action," said Mike Hudema, Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner. "While Greenpeace is always open to dialogue, actions speak louder than words, and we will persevere with our campaign to stop the tar sands and urge world leaders to take serious action on climate change."

Greenpeace has had meetings with Shell on and off for 15 years. But with the irreversible impacts of climate change looming over us, we don't have another 15 years to talk.

"Greenpeace is committed to forging solutions, but we need climate leaders at Copenhagen who are as well," said Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner Melina Laboucan-Massimo. "Government and industry must begin transitioning away from dirty oil profiteering and toward a sustainable energy economy."

Meanwhile, in Bangkok , the UN climate talks are deadlocked. At a time when the world needs action on climate change delegations are behaving as if they have all the time in the world and as if there is no imminent climate change threat.

In just 65 days, world governments will meet to negotiate a new climate treaty. The world needs them to take real action by personally committing to attending the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen , and to delivering a fair, ambitious and binding deal to avert catastrophic climate change.

For further information: Jessica Wilson, Greenpeace media and public relations officer, [phone]; Mike Hudema, Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner [phone]; Melina Laboucan-Massimo, Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner, [phone] from outside the Shell plant; Brian Blomme, Greenpeace communications coordinator, [phone], from outside the Shell plant