Shell’s Shaky Dutch Legacy: Earthquakes, Gas Drilling, and Wall Street Dreams
Ladies and gentlemen, Shell—the master of environmental destruction and corporate greed—is at it again. If you thought oil spills and greenwashing were the worst of it, let’s talk about how Shell’s decades-long obsession with extracting every last drop of gas from the Netherlands has literally shaken the earth
The Groningen Quakes: Shell’s Dirty Little Secret
The Netherlands experienced 47 earthquakes in 2024, according to the KNMI. Of those, 40 were caused by gas extraction, primarily from the infamous Groningen gas field—a site that’s been synonymous with human-induced seismic activity for years. Natural disasters? Think again. These are Shell-made quakes, brought to you by their relentless gas drilling.
In Groningen alone, there were 36 induced earthquakes last year. That’s right, Shell and its partners have been shaking homes, cracking walls, and destabilizing lives, all in the name of corporate profit. Sure, this is down from the 43 quakes caused in 2023, but should we really applaud Shell for reducing the destruction it caused in the first place? That’s like a thief bragging about stealing fewer wallets this year.
Gas Drilling Stopped… or Did It?
After years of public outrage, the Dutch government ordered an end to gas drilling in Groningen in October 2023. Great news, right? Not so fast. In true Shell fashion, loopholes abound. Climate Minister Sophie Hermans announced in December 2024 that the NAM—a joint venture of Shell and ExxonMobil—can continue drilling at the village of Warffum, Groningen, until 2032.
The result? Fury in Groningen and beyond. The Cabinet insists that this new drilling is “different” because it’s not technically in the Groningenveld gas field but in smaller fields nearby. Because clearly, if you’re shaking the ground just outside a region instead of directly within it, it’s totally fine, right
A Legacy of Profit Over People
Let’s not forget, Shell has been profiting off Dutch gas fields for decades, with BlackRock and Vanguard—the ultimate sin stock cheerleaders—reaping the rewards. Shell’s gas operations in Groningen are a masterclass in corporate callousness:
•Thousands of Earthquakes: The region has been rocked by hundreds of quakes over the years, causing billions of euros in damages.
•Homes Destroyed: Residents in Groningen have endured cracked foundations, unsafe buildings, and endless uncertainty.
•Broken Promises: Shell claims to care about the environment, but their actions—whether in the Netherlands or elsewhere—tell a different story.
Now, with new drilling approved until 2032, Shell’s legacy of destruction continues unabated. Because, of course, when there’s money to be made, Shell doesn’t care who gets hurt or how many homes crumble
Shell’s Bigger Picture: Wall Street and LNG Lies
As if destroying Groningen wasn’t enough, Shell is also busy plotting its escape from the London Stock Exchange. CEO Wael Sawan has made it clear: if Shell can’t close its valuation gap with U.S. giants like ExxonMobil, they’re taking their stock to New York. Because nothing says “corporate responsibility” like abandoning your home market for a place with fewer questions and more profits.
Shell’s Earth-Shattering Hypocrisy
Let’s recap Shell’s year in destruction:
•40 man-made earthquakes in the Netherlands.
•Approval to drill in Groningen until 2032, despite the damage already done.
•Threats to abandon London for New York, chasing higher valuations like a greedy ex chasing a richer partner.
•Greenwashing their LNG strategy while ignoring the science, their own climate goals, and the cries of their shareholders.
Investors like Brunel Pension Partnership are finally starting to ask questions, but heavyweights like BlackRock and Vanguard remain silent. After all, their portfolios aren’t shaking.
Meanwhile, Shell’s expansion into LNG is raising eyebrows. Their demand projections are 301% higher than what the International Energy Agency (IEA) says is compatible with net-zero targets. Let’s be honest: Shell’s LNG strategy isn’t about sustainability—it’s about squeezing every last cent out of fossil fuels before the green revolution leaves them in the dust
Shell’s ability to wreak havoc knows no bounds. Whether it’s causing earthquakes, greenwashing their gas expansion, or chasing Wall Street dreams, they’ve made it clear: profits come first, and people and the planet come last. So here’s to Shell, the ultimate sin stock, destroying communities one quake and one well at a time. May their shareholders choke on their dividends while the rest of us brace for the fallout.
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