THE Bangor branch of Barclays Bank was the site of a demonstration by local climate protestors, who are demonstrating against the bank’s ongoing investment in fossil fuel projects.

Oil giant Shell is developing a controversial new gas field called Jackdaw in the North Sea, and climate activists across the UK are urging Barclays to stop funding the project.

Extinction Rebellion protesters held banners and handed out leaflets to highlight Barclays’ role in funding fossil fuels.

They suggested alternative banks to passers-by, with higher ‘ethics ratings’ such as Triodos or Nationwide, and also give out 50 packs of free wildflower seeds.

North Wales Chronicle: The UK has a target of net-zero by 2050.The UK has a target of net-zero by 2050.

Barclays invest more in fossil fuel projects than any other bank in Europe, and many campaign groups argue that Jackdaw is completely incompatible with global climate goals. They claim it “won’t do anything to reduce household energy bills now” and that “the short term profits of fossil fuel companies” are being placed above people and planet.

They argue that that new oil and gas developments will not bring down soaring household energy bills, and called for a “rapid scale up” of renewable power, warmer homes and a just transition for workers and communities reliant on oil and gas.

The UK has a net-zero target for 2050.

Helen McGreary, from Menai Bridge, explained: “It’s atrocious that scientists have said time and time again that we can’t have new oil and gas, yet the government is giving the green light to another climate-wrecking project that will produce the same amount of pollution as half of Scotland, or all of Ghana.

North Wales Chronicle: Demonstrators also took to the Shell garage.Demonstrators also took to the Shell garage.

“The people of the UK want a reliable, affordable energy supply that doesn’t put the planet at risk.

“The UK Government should be investing in housing insulation or energy efficiency measures, but is instead approving a project that will produce more emissions than some entire countries.”

“This isn’t about energy security. If it was, we’d be retrofitting homes and unblocking onshore wind. This is about Shell making as much money as possible while they still can.”

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Karen Breeze, of Caeathro, who dressed up as a jackdaw, said: “I gave up my Saturday to do this as I believe that the global crisis we are in should be taken seriously by our politicians and government before it’s too late.

“They are still dishing out millions of taxpayers money to these oil companies that make millions to expand and open more oil fields instead of investing in greener infrastructures for transport.”

Alison Shaw, a retired geologist from Conwy, said developing new gas fields will be “catastrophic in terms of the effects of increased temperatures on all life on Earth”.

Barclays have been approached for comment.

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