A climate activist has taken to a TedTalk stage in Edinburgh in order to take the CEO of Shell to task about their role in the climate crisis.
Lauren, who is part of the stop CAMBO campaign in the North Sea, took to the stage in order to challenge Royal Dutch Shell CEO, Ben van Beurden.
The CEO had been invited alongside other guests to partake in a conversation about how society best tackles the climate crisis.
But many environmental activists felt as though this was inappropriate, accusing Shell of suppressing climate science and activism.
It is understood that Lauren had said to the CEO that she would never forget the damage that van Beurden’s company had inflicted on the planet.
She is also understood to have said that van Beurden should be ashamed of himself and that as the climate crisis becomes more and more deadly, Shell would be to blame.
And internationally renowned climate activist, Nomiki Konst, 37, from Queens in New York City and also in Edinburgh, said that she was part of a concerted effort by activists and TedTalk contributors to raise concerns regarding a fossil fuel giant being involved with discussions.
The move by Lauren was accompanied by young activists who were part of a wider demonstration outside of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Morrison Street.
It is understood that young climate organisers had travelled from New York in order to be at the protest.
A Shell spokesperson said: “Tackling climate change will require unprecedented levels of collaboration between governments, companies, customers and many others.
"Shell is committed to being part of the solution and that’s why our CEO Ben van Beurden joined the TEDCountdown event in Edinburgh today. While we knew that the reception would be tough, we won’t shy away from difficult conversations.”
TedTalk has been contacted for comment.
