Links: http://www.channel4.com/news/special-reports; http://www.ifaw.org.uk; http://www.sakhalin.environment.ru; http://www.sakhalinenergy.com/en/; Sakhalin: Extraction or Extinction?

Channel 4 News featurette from Sakhalin Island

27 Jul 2006

Company Director Sarah Tierney has recently returned from filming a Channel 4 News piece in far-eastern Russia.

Company Director Sarah Tierney has recently returned from filming a Channel 4 News piece in far-eastern Russia. The report - “Extraction v. Extinction” - comes from Sakhalin Island and illuminates the difficult equilibrium between shifting global oil politics, frontier oil exploration and the associated impacts of extraction on pristine environments.

Access was granted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, who is working in conjunction with local environmental groups to monitor the environmental impacts of the Sakhlain-2 developments, particularly on the Western Gray Whale. This critically endangered species is one of the rarest animals on the planet and conservations are arguing that the developments – which occur in the whales sole feeding ground – could threaten the species very survival. The report will be aired tonight on the 7pm Channel 4 News programme and will be available to view online.

The piece was presented by Channel 4 News Science Correspondent Tom Clarke, and filmed by ITN award-winning cameraman Stuart Webb.