VIDEO. “Russian money stained with blood”: the CEO of Total attacked by protesters at COP27

He is not welcome. The CEO of TotalEnergies Patrick Pouyanné was challenged by environmental and human rights activists on Friday November 11 at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt), the international summit to fight against climate change. The presence of representatives of fossil fuels at this conference is condemned by NGOs: the consumption of coal, oil and gas is indeed the main cause of global warming.

As he was about to join a conference, the boss of the French oil and gas giant was arrested by some activists, forcing him to briefly take shelter in the Guinea pavilion, noted an AFP journalist. There followed a quick, tense exchange with activists, who accuse TotalEnergies of carrying out projects in Russia and East Africa. “We deliver gas to Europe because Europe needs it”added Patrick Pouyanné, whose company has maintained its presence on its Siberian liquefied natural gas (LNG) site, Yamal.

“I have the right to be here”

“Are you going to use bloodstained Russian money to rebuild Ukraine?”challenged a Ukrainian activist. “Most likely”replied Patrick Pouyanné, obviously embarrassed.

The CEO of the French oil and gas group was also questioned about his presence at the climate summit. “I have the right to be here”he replied to one of them. “I respect you so respect me, that’s all I ask of you”he added.

“Today Pouyanné was challenged for the destructive impact of his company, from Eastern Europe to Africa”commented Global Witness. “He’s just one of more than 600 fossil fuel industry lobbyists who have invaded the UN climate talks”, added the NGO. Global Witness estimates that the number of such lobbyists is up by more than 25% compared to COP26 which took place last year in Glasgow.