Shell shareholders expressed strong support for the energy giant’s strategy at a tumultuous annual general meeting disrupted by climate activists who tried to storm the stage, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
The meeting started after an hour’s delay caused by massive disruptions by protesters who were then carried out by dozens of security staff.
“Go to hell, Shell, and don’t you come back no more,” a choir of about a dozen protesters sang as they called for Shell to stop producing fossil fuels, with Shell CEO Wael Sawan and Mackenzie watching.
The security staff reportedly a human chain on stage to shield Sawan, Chairman Andrew Mackenzie and company directors after a group of protestors attempted to storm the stage.
The meeting highlighted the growing tension Shell and its peers face as they try to navigate growing investor pressure to accelerate their shift away from oil and gas while other shareholders focus on profit after record earnings last year.
Shell’s climate strategy resolution won 80% support from voting shareholders, according to preliminary results, in line with last year.
“The silent majority is being very clear with us as to their expectations … (to) find a balanced transition,” Chief Executive Wael Sawan told reporters after the meeting.
Shell aims to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 and has set several short and medium-term emission targets but has so far rejected calls to set 2030 goals to reduce absolute emissions.
Sawan, who has signaled that Shell is reviewing plans to reduce oil output, is set to announce a strategy update next month.
