Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in London on Tuesday, making headlines as she stood in unity with hundreds of protesters against an event many have dubbed "the Oscars of oil|".
Video footage emerged on social media showing Thunberg being escorted by the police into a van, following her participation in a blockade outside the InterContinental Park Lane hotel. This venue hosted the Energy Intelligence Forum (EIF), a gathering point for global fossil fuel magnates and government officials, as reported by The Guardian.
Previously known as the Oil & Money Conference, critics have renamed it the "Oily Money Conference", highlighting its controversial nature in an era increasingly aware of environmental concerns.
In a charged statement to the media, Thunberg expressed her concerns about the implications of such a conference. She stated: “Behind these closed doors at the oil and money conference, spineless politicians are making deals and compromises with lobbyists from destructive industries, the fossil fuel industry.”
She further highlighted the global ramifications of these industries, emphasizing that "people all over the world are suffering and dying from the consequences of the climate crisis caused by these industries".
Demonstrators echoed Thunberg's sentiments on Tuesday (October 17), barricading Hamilton Place with signs, banners, and vivid pink umbrellas adorned with painted eyes. Their chants resonated through the streets: “Oily money out” and “Cancel the conference”. Amidst this passionate uproar, smoke flares in yellow and pink were ignited.
In an attempt to control the situation, the hotel area was fenced off. Delegates were closely guided by the police through the swarms of activists.
The Metropolitan Police later confirmed that a total of five individuals, including Thunberg, had been arrested on charges of obstructing the highway.
Bosses from renowned oil corporations like Aramco, Shell, Repsol, TotalEnergies, and the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation were slated to address the EIF. The event was structured to discuss pressing questions like the future of renewable energy and the continuous relevance of net zero. It was set to conclude with an award ceremony, celebrating achievements in the energy sector.
The protests were orchestrated by Fossil Free London, a prominent climate campaign group. Robin Wells, the group’s director, shed light on the contentious nature of the conference, emphasizing its role as a networking hotspot where "bigwigs are schmoozing politicians". She lamented the continuous influence of such events on political processes, stating: "These events are just a constant opportunity for the oil industry to lobby our politicians and ensure they are able to continue to corrupt our political processes."