-Caveat Lector- --------------Forwarded message from Global Response below Attn: Global Response QRN Members: Here is the text of an op-ed piece, based on Global Response Action #3/99 (No New Oil Exploration / Artic Ocean). Please use this as-is or edit it, and send it to your local and regional newspapers. Feel free to sign it with your own name. This is a great way to generate more public interest and activism on this issue. We need to influence the Boise Cascade Board of Directors' Meeting on April 16 -- so we've got to generate letters fast! Thanks for EVERYTHING you can do to help on this! -- Paula > > A Window of Opportunity > >Camera readers have an opportunity to help redirect current plans for a >risky oil-drilling experiment in a biologically rich Arctic region. BP >Amoco is building an offshore platform on an artificial island in the >Beaufort Sea, north of Alaska. It plans to transport the oil to shore >through an underwater pipeline � a risky experiment never yet attempted in >Arctic conditions. If allowed to proceed, the experiment, called the >Northstar Project, would lead to the building of a string of oil wells >across the Beaufort Sea, and the likely devastation of the area. > >This experiment poses a double threat. In the short term, oil spills >threaten the fragile Arctic ecosystem and the native peoples who depend on >them for their livelihoods. In the long term, continued use of fossil fuels >will accelerate the global warming which is already happening and which >poses the single most serious threat to life on the planet. Alaska Natives >and Greenpeace are asking for help in persuading BP Amoco to abandon the >Northstar Project, and to invest in developing renewable energy alternatives >� solar, wind, and waves. > >The Arctic is home to some of the world�s most distinctive mammals, millions >of migratory and resident birds, a rich ice-edge community, and some of the >world�s major fisheries. It is a biologically and culturally unique >environment, and one of the last places on Earth where natural conditions >still prevail over much of the region. The Arctic is also a region that is >particularly vulnerable to human-induced climate change. > >Greenpeace gives these reasons to stop offshore oil development in the >Arctic Ocean: > >1) Global Warming. The Western Arctic, site of the Northstar Project, is >already warming at least three times faster than the planet as a whole. The >reduction of sea ice now occurring is a major threat to the Arctic food >chain and to many unique Arctic species, including polar bears and walrus. >If the world continues to burn even a fraction of the known reserves of >coal, oil and natural gas, catastrophic climate change will result. If we >are to maintain a life-supporting climate on the planet, the world can�t >afford to use all the oil reserves we already have. Further oil exploration >must stop. > >2. Dangerous Technology. Amoco would use untested and risky technology to >transport oil ashore through a pipeline buried beneath the seabed. Sea ice >in the region continually gouges the sea floor, raising serious concerns >about the safety of the pipeline. The area is either frozen solid or in >"broken ice" condition for about ten months each year. > >3. Oil spill Danger. There is up to a 1 in 4 chance of a major spill over >the life of the Northstar Project (The Trans-Alaska Pipeline has reported >624 spills since it opened in 1977). Any leak that occurs during the long, >dark winter would likely go undetected until spring, and cleaning up an oil >spill would be next to impossible during the "broken ice" conditions of >spring and fall. A major spill could prove disastrous for the >biologically-rich arctic ecosystem, especially the endangered bowhead whale, >polar bears, ringed seals, sea ducks, and the Inupiat Eskimo communities. > >Global Response is a remarkably effective network that has exerted a >powerful influence on a number of environmental issues. It works in >partnership with indigenous, environmental, and peace and justice >organizations around the world, and also works with elementary and high >school students to enable them to influence these issues as well. Global >Response is working with Greenpeace and others to coordinate efforts to >redirect BP Amoco's activities in a less destructive direction. Camera >readers can add their impact by writing the CEO to urge Amoco to abandon >Northstar and all new oil exploration, and to lead the oil industry�s >transition toward renewable energy. It is also possible to join others in >such efforts by joining Global Response. > >For more information, contact Global Response at 303/444-0306, or write to >Global Response, P.O. Box 7490, Boulder CO, USA 80306-7490. >Website: http://www.globalresponse.org > > >--Arden Buck is a enthusiastic long-time supporter of Global Response. > > > > > > >> > > GLOBAL RESPONSE is an international letter-writing network of environmental activists. In partnership with indigenous, environmentalist and peace and justice organizations around the world, GLOBAL RESPONSE develops "Actions" that describe specific, urgent threats to the environment; each "Action" asks members to write personal letters to individuals in the corporations, governments or international organizations that have the power and responsibility to take corrective action. GR also issues "Young Environmentalists' Actions" and "Eco-Club Actions" designed to educate and motivate elementary and high school students to practice earth stewardship. P.O. Box 7490 Phone: 303/444-0306 Boulder CO, USA 80306-7490 Fax: 303/449-9794 To receive Global Response materials by e-mail, send an e-mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the body of your message, type this text: subscribe globresmembers Visit our website at: http://www.globalresponse.org DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. 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