MEPs vote to ban oil drilling in Arctic

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are calling for measures to protect the vulnerable Arctic ecosystem and ban oil drilling. They pointed out the Arctic has been warming “twice as […]

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are calling for measures to protect the vulnerable Arctic ecosystem and ban oil drilling.

They pointed out the Arctic has been warming “twice as fast as the global average” and sea ice has been shrinking “significantly” since 1981.

They say a ban should be placed on oil drilling in the Arctic waters of the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) as “the use of fossil fuels will further accelerate climate change”.

A resolution was passed by 483 votes to 100.

The MEPs also reiterated their 2014 call to halt the use of heavy fuel oil in maritime transport on the Arctic sea.

Co-rapporteur Sirpa Pietikainen said: “The Arctic region is very sensitive and vulnerable. If we destroy this are by using the resources there unsustainably, we shall not only be destroying a unique region but also accelerating climate change and polluting a source of clean water. The effects on global fish stocks would also be catastrophic.”

The MEPs added the rights of indigenous people must be respected and protected with more stringent safeguards as four million people living there are experiencing the negative consequences of increased pollution.

The brand new design for London’s electric black cab has been undergoing tests in the harshest conditions in the Arctic Circle.

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