Oil and gas can make the difference between living in a developed or developing world. As a valuable energy source, oil and gas create power. Pipelines bring this power to the people. But now that oil and gas supplies are dwindling, transnationals are pushing more desperately into new frontiers, bulldozing the paths for their pipelines straight through community resource-rights and surrounding environments. A phenomenon limited to the developing world? Not any more. Today’s co-host, Jack Byrne from community radio NEAR FM in Dublin – reports from West Ireland on the Shell gas pipeline that’s breaking through the fragile bog lands of County Mayo. He introduces us to Willie Corduff – one of the Rossport Five – who went to jail for 94 days after refusing Shell and its pipeline workers entry to his farm. Willie takes us into his beautiful town and shows us the police violence and the corporate arrogance surrounding the pipeline, and the legal system that allows these problems to take place.

• Mika Minio gives us a global audit of communities in other countries plagued by pipeline problems.
• Alicia Casas, the facilitator for Oilwatch Mesoamerica, talks about how Costa Rica became the first country brave enough to place a moratorium on oil extraction, and why this world-first is now in jeopardy.
• New Zealand’s investigative journalist, Nicky Hager lifts another lid – this time of spies planted by corporations in community campaigns.

Today’s program features the wonderful performances of Spanish vocalist Benjamin Escoriza from his first solo album Alevanta! – or in English Rise Up! – a very appropriate title to conclude a program about protesting power and pipelines.

Listen now (click the play button left) or download the program (click this link)

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