BP accused of 'Green-washing' with their new net zero partnership with Aberdeen City Council

Dr Richard Dixon from Friends of the earth Scotland says the oil giant are doing more harm than good to the environment.

Author: Lewis MichiePublished 8th Sep 2020

Friends of the earth Scotland say BP are 'Green-washing' with their new partnership with Aberdeen City Council.

Green washing is a term the refers to organisations or individuals who make actions that and statement that make it seem like they care about climate change and the environment, but instead their overall actions don't reflect that.

This is the what the climate activist group are accusing BP of doing with their new deal with Aberdeen City.

Announced this morning, BP say they'll work with the local council to help them achieve their target of net zero carbon emissions.

Dr Richard Dixon from Friends of the Earth says this is contradictory from a company who is still looking to secure more oil drilling opportunities in the North Sea.

He said:

"This isn't a company which is changing it's strategy, this isn't a company that is serious about net zero or climate change emissions. This is an oil company who wants to keep selling you oil and gas, who are doing deals that look good, good for publicity, but don't really mean anything."

"Part of it is trying to get good PR - climate change is a big issue and I think BP are feeling the pressure - I think they are just signing this deal to make it look like they might be serious about climate change."

"They are also trying to influence the way we act on climate change."

Dixon also claims there are other smaller companies in the North East who could help the City Council reach their targets, who he feels would do a better job:

"It's not the right people to be working with - BP don't know anything about transport, they don't know anything about electric vehicles."

"They are not the right people to be giving you advice on how to get your city to net zero."