This week, Shell will be in court to defend its proposed seismic survey off the Wild Coast. Civil society groups are protesting against offshore oil and gas exploration, ahead of the hearing. | Fin24
The Makhanda High Court in December 2021 granted an interim interdict, temporarily blocking Shell's planned seismic survey, pending this hearing, which is set to take place before a full bench in the Port Elizabeth High Court in Gqeberha. The matter will be heard over three days - from Monday to Wednesday.
The applicants argue that the seismic survey would be unlawful as Shell does not have the required environmental authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act . However, Shell has defended its Environmental Management Programme , which was approved by Petroleum Agency SA and the DMRE as valid authorisation.
In a statement, Natural Justice further indicated that considerations of climate change impacts, resulting from the exploration, were not made. Three members of the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies earlier this year published a paper highlighting the long-term impact of seismic surveys on climate change.