Embargo: 18:00 Wednesday 11 February 2026
As the major fossil fuel companies start implementing row backs on transition plans, responsible employees are increasingly asking themselves ‘should I stay or should I go’?
- LAUNCH EVENT: 11 FEBRUARY, 16:00, WESTMINSTER
- NEW COMMUNITY FORMED TO SUPPORT OIL INDUSTRY LEAVERS & DOUBTERS
- OPPORTUNITIES TO INTERVIEW FOUNDER-MEMBERS
LIFE AFTER OIL exists for those who can no longer ignore the facts – we are now too late for a gradual energy transition. We are a community that supports oil and gas professionals who recognise that much of their sector is moving in the wrong direction and are wrestling with their next move.
We understand as well as anyone the criticality of fossil fuels to everyday life and want to have the conversation about how to address energy demand in a world that is exceeding safe temperatures.
Life After Oil will launch on Wednesday February 11th (4pm) – to coincide with International Energy Week – at a briefing for media in Westminster. Former oil industry professionals and members of the Life After Oil community will share their stories; why they’re leaving the industry and what they’re building next.
“Prestige and salary matter far less than whether you can look your children in the eye in twenty years. The majority of employees want their companies to lead the transition.” Arjan Keizer, former Shell senior manager.
With over a quarter of oil and gas workers saying they are actively looking to leave the industry[1] and 12% of higher education institutions now refusing to advertise roles with fossil fuel companies to their students[2] there are clear signals of disquiet about working in the sector.
“The level of cognitive dissonance made it impossible for me to remain within the company. Staying in, the level of denial needed simply became too painful .” Guy Mansfield, former financial director, major oil & gas company.
Jeremy Leggett, British environmental entrepreneur, Chief Executive of Highlands Rewilding and winner of the 2025 Blue Planet Prize comments: “I quit oil and gas on grounds of conscience many years ago, and have worked with some success ever since in the technologies disrupting the industry.
“Now that the writing is so very clear on the climate wall I am delighted to see a growing exodus. Talent is the lifeblood of the oil and gas industry, and it is now imperative that we drain it into the transition away from fossil fuels. My experience shows there is nothing to fear, and indeed much to do that allows an oilman or oilwoman to look their children in the eyes without shame.”
Nick Smith, who has inspired the initiative understands better than most what it means to grapple with the energy dilemma. A fourth-generation coal and oil supplier, Nick has been driving the focus of his businesses towards renewable energy for many years whilst continuing to support the supply of fuels for today’s essential needs, where practical alternatives don’t yet exist.
“What binds our community together is a recognition that the major oil companies are failing to provide a sensible contribution to the conversation about how to respond to the fossil fuel dilemma.
“Clearly we need oil now for essential purposes but we need to reduce consumption urgently. By blithely pointing to increased consumer demand for energy, they sidestep their own role in shaping markets, investment priorities and narratives, and in doing so avoid the leadership responsibility that comes with their scale, capability and influence – to the detriment of both today’s workforce and future generations.”
“I had to decide if this was really a career I wanted to dedicate my life to. The obvious and unavoidable answer was no.” Jo Alexander, former BP senior manager.
For further information, please contact: Neil Wallis, press@lifeafteroil.net or: neil@etccoms.co.uk Mob + 44 (0) 7974 255720
[1] https://platformlondon.org/1-in-4-north-sea-workers-looking-to-quit/
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/dec/11/eight-more-uk-universities-cut-recruitment-ties-with-fossil-fuel-industry