The head of a Philippines Commission on Human Rights panel, which has been investigating climate change for three years, revealed its conclusions on Monday that major fossil fuel firms may be held legally responsible for the impacts of their carbon emissions...

The commission was tasked in 2016 by Greenpeace South-East Asia and other local environmental groups whether 47 of the world's biggest fossil fuel firms – including Shell, BP, ExxonMobil and Total – were violating the rights of Filipino citizens. It held hearings in Manila, New York and London where it heard from scientists, lawyers and people who had suffered from climate-related disasters.

Its final report, which has yet to be published, will say that these companies have clear legal and moral responsibilities to act, which includes shifting away from fossil fuels and investing in cleaner energy sources...

He [Greenpeace South Asia Executive Director, Yeb Saño] noted that a growing number of cases related to climate change are now being filed in courts across the world "and with the conclusion of this investigation, we believe many more communities will take a stand against fossil fuel companies that are putting profit before people".

ExxonMobil, for example, one of the world's largest oil and gas firms, has faced multiple legal challenges from US states and shareholders who claim it misled investors and the public over the real risks of climate change. And in Germany, utility firm RWE is being sued by Peruvian farmer and mountain guide Saúl Luciano Lliuya whose home is at risk from a melting glacier...