can we do anything about it?

You may or may not have heard of the Willow Project. But as soon as you hear the plan, you immediately think ‘what a bad idea’. Nevertheless, the project was approved in March – much to our sadness. We explain why this is such a problem and what we can all do about it.

Because this is going to have a serious impact on the environment. TikTok is already full of videos about the Willow Project, so we answer all your questions. And above all the most important question: what can we do from the Netherlands?

What is the Willow Project?

ConocoPhillips’ Willow Project is a large-scale, decades-long oil drilling operation on the North Slope of Alaska in the US Government-owned National Petroleum Reserve. In March, ConocoPhillips’ controversial plan was approved, despite all the opposition to the plan.

To explain briefly: America has therefore sold Alaska in order to extract more oil. And of course to make a lot of money with it, because Alaska’s oil will not have been cheap. With Biden’s approval, drilling can begin. When this will take place is not yet clear.

@dw_planeta

The Biden administration has approved a controversial Willow oil project in Alaska. It’s the largest proposed oil drilling on US public land and the biggest oil field in Alaska in decades. Its emissions would be equivalent to adding two million gas cars to the roads each year. #willow #willowproject #alaska #biden

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The many reasons why this is a very bad idea

After reading the above paragraph, you are probably wondering whether the US alone can make a choice that affects the rest of the world. Well, apparently it is. In addition to all the ethical arguments against it, there are also a number of legal arguments against the Willow Project. Earthjustice left on CNN know that they are preparing an indictment.

The main reason why the Willow Project should be stopped is, of course, the impact it will have on the climate. We are already in a climate crisis, but the Willow Project is adding fuel to the fire – point intention.

Drilling in Alaska is equivalent to putting 2,000,000 more gasoline cars on the road each year. In addition to concerns about a rapidly warming Arctic, groups are also concerned that the project could destroy the habitat of native species and alter the migration patterns of animals, including caribou.

@daveeindercomar

The Willow project sets the stage for future oil and gas projects in the Arctic and will create a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. #climatechange #anthropocene #willowproject

♬ original sound – Dave Inder Comar

Biden breaks his promise

Biden’s approval of the Willow Project is a slap in the face to many people. He pledged to end new oil and gas drilling on public lands and waters by 2020, during his presidential campaign. Something that is at odds with this action. The drilling pause was overruled by a federal judge in 2021, and since then the Biden administration has opened several areas to new drilling.

@lukiemullen

My message to bid: #stopwillow

♬ original sound – lukeemuls

Is there anything else we can do?

Millions of letters have already been sent to the White House and three million signatures have been signed against the Willow Project, yet the plan has been approved. Although the campaigning first mainly took place within the United States, it has now become a global problem, which can also be campaigned against worldwide.

So, what can we do from the Netherlands? There are a few things we can do. For starters: sign the petition online. Protect The Arctic has several options to support them in their fight against the Willow Project.

Another organization that needs help is Earthjusticewith their slogan ‘The Earth needs a good lawyer’. They are filing charges against the decisions that affect the climate. But you guessed it, this takes a lot of time and money. So they help a lot with a donation.

In addition, the dissemination of information is important. Because it is not a decision that was taken in the Netherlands, it is less important here than in the US, while it does concern us. So talk about it online and offline awareness increase.