Sakhalin: Extraction or Extinction - Russia

Nov 2006 Russia claims its decision to stop Shell building the world's biggest oil and gas development was motivated by environmental concerns. So why will it let work resume if Shell pays more money? The impoverished islands of Sakhalin are noteworthy for two reasons. Their coastal waters are the only feeding ground for the critically endangered Western Grey Whale. And it's here that the world's largest integrated oil and gas facility is being built. This development is increasingly unpopular in Russia. As Julian Lee from the Centre for Global Energy Studies explains; "It's the only major project in Russia that has no Russian company involvement." Many believe the Kremlin is using environmental concerns to wrest back control of the Sakhalin development.