EXTINCTION Rebellion protesters took to the streets of Bournemouth last week to show their disapproval of insurance firms insuring new oil, gas and coal projects.
As part of the national campaign, activists targeted Howden Insurance Brokers’ office in the Triangle, Bournemouth town centre.
The group beat drums and brought noise to the demonstration for 90 minutes while also chanting “stop insuring climate criminals”.
Bournemouth resident Daniel Glennon said insurance is the “Achilles heel of the global fossil fuel industry”.
The customer service worker said: “It’s what gives oil, gas and coal companies the confidence to dig and drill as the planet burns - by covering their operations against financial losses when things go wrong.
“Without insurance, major oil and gas companies cannot operate and climate-wrecking oil, gas, and coal exploration, production and distribution will fail to go ahead.
“Just 20 companies insure 70 per cent of fossil fuel projects.”
Christel Lindner, a registered nurse also from Bournemouth, added: “Howden Insurance Group’s loud public boasts about sustainability and climate action.”
She added: “Behind a flood of greenwash, Howden is going full speed ahead to expand its insurance of fossil fuel criminals who are wrecking the climate, burning down our planet, flooding our homes, and threatening to kill billions in the process.”
Kathy Chambers, retired, added: “Insurance is an industry that isn’t used to being targeted by protest, and that cracks under pressure when it's faced with public scrutiny and reputational damage.”
A spokesman for Howden said: “We are aware of protest action targeting a number of UK insurance companies this week.
“We have taken steps to ensure the security of our premises and the safety of our employees and visitors.
“Howden is committed to playing an active role in the transition to net zero, and we believe that we can have more impact by working with clients to accelerate their decarbonisation than by disengaging from them.
“We have invested significantly in developing the solutions and driving the change needed for our industry to play its crucial role in derisking both the continued development of alternative energy sources and the decarbonisation of existing.”
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