Mr van der Loo considered different forms of Energy throughout the seminar - stating that although Shell bases much of its industry in the fossil fuel sector they strive to use cleaner and less carbon fuelled forms of energy such as gas over oil. However, there is no gain without pain, with more sustainable forms of energy costing the consumer more. Therefore, according to Mr van der Loo we have two decarbonisation pathways; either we need to either consume less or use more sustainable forms of energy but what with rapid globalization and an ever-increasing global population, the later suggestion is the only way forward.

“One billion out of the seven billion don’t live like we do in Europe…but… developing fuel intensive countries like China and India strive to”.

In his view, human ingenuity and innovation are the means of overcoming these volatile times and he is concerned that the current economic crisis will leave a dent in Climate Policy. He also criticised the ‘knee-jerk’ response of the German Government to Nuclear energy. He did however stress that decarbonisation is not only the responsibility of governments and world bodies but that we, the people, can help improve the current situation. We need to think about energy in terms of investments and try and untie ourselves from social conventions such as driving at rush hour etc.. He believes we all need to be resource efficient.

Towards the end of the seminar, Mr van der Loo turned his attention to the EU and in particular Shell’s relationship with the Commission; to which he explains the lay of the land and in return receives some political clout. He also commended European environmental legislation as a model for other growing economies but is adamant that European goals will not be achieved without further ingenuity and innovations of its citizens.

“We need to shift boundaries in our mind… make people dare to believe”.

Mr van der Loo was extremely generous with his time and stayed long after his speech to mingle and answer our many questions. It was a very thought-provoking, enthusiastic seminar.

(Reporter Aislinn Dwyer)