Shard scale protest over Shell's Arctic exploration Six women have scaled London's Shard in a protest over Shell's Arctic drilling. The Greenpeace activists, all experienced climbers, said they intended to install a piece of artwork once they reach the top of the 310 meter skyscraper. The Shard, the tallest building in western Europe, was chosen for the protest as it sits between Shell's three headquarters and is inspired by a shard of ice. Greenpeace wants the area around the North Pole to be a global sanctuary, off limits to industrialisation. Shell issued a statement saying: "We respect the right of individuals and organisations to engage in a free and frank exchange of views about our operations." The women - from six countries - said they would stay on the building as long as it was safe to do so. More about: Greenpeace, Oil market, Protest, United Kingdom