Help me find this story about an oil bigwig talking to protesters

November 5, 2015 5:38 PM

I'm trying to find the story about some big oil guy, like president of Shell or Exxon or something like that. He was at home and some students, or just garden variety environmental protesters, had gathered outside his house to shout at him. He went out and instead of arguing with them, he sat down on the lawn and invited them to join him and talk.

His wife came out with lemonade or something. The young people sat with him. They talked. He told them about his work and explained that he cared about the environment too but his way of doing something was to work with a powerful organisation where maybe he could change things on a bigger more effective scale. Something like that.

Do you know this story?
Where can I find it?

posted by stellathon to Grab Bag (6 answers total)

I remember that story. I think your details are correct. It may have taken place in the UK.
posted by alexei at 5:41 PM on November 5, 2015

I recall the story being covered on PBS, maybe Frontline? There is an episode called The Spill that might cover the details.
posted by childofTethys at 5:49 PM on November 5, 2015

I've seen that scene too. Was it in the documentary 'the corporation'?
posted by danep at 6:07 PM on November 5, 2015

Best answer: Yes, it's from The Corporation! Part 7
posted by bighappyhairydog at 6:45 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Yes, that was Sir Mark Moody-Stuart (then chair, Royal Dutch Shell), and the clip is here.
posted by scruss at 6:55 PM on November 5, 2015 [4 favorites]

Response by poster: Wow. Thank you scruss! Thanks everyone. I have only read this story, had never seen footage. I love how polite Brits can be!
posted by stellathon at 7:07 PM on November 5, 2015