"Court approves Shell’s appeal to dodge emissions cuts: Friends of the Earth to continue fight against Big Polluters", 12 November 2024

In a blow to climate justice, the Court of Appeal of the Hague has today approved Shell’s appeal of the 2021 climate lawsuit ruling by Milieudefensie / Friends of the Earth Netherlands....

“This ruling is a blow to communities all over the world who are bearing the brunt of climate inaction and greenwashing by corporations. Yet the ruling also gives hope – it confirms that corporations must respect human rights and that they bear responsibility for reducing emissions. No matter what, people are rising up and the era of corporate impunity is over. We urgently need an end to fossil fuels, no loopholes from carbon markets and false solutions and for big polluters to pay up.” Kirtana Chandrasekaran, Friends of the Earth International.

The judge deemed Shell responsible for reducing its CO₂ emissions, but no legal obligation was imposed. Yet the ruling confirmed that companies like Shell must abide by Human Rights, including protection from climate change. This ruling comes just as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) kicks off and follows the undemocratic push at COP for carbon markets. It is clear to peoples and climate justice movements that corporate impunity and influence is a major threat to climate action. In response, this ruling will only fuel climate groups’ determination as they continue to challenge big polluters, take governments to court and demand climate justice.

Although a setback, the historic victory of 2021 and its impacts on the climate movement affirms that collective action is a way forward, challenging big polluters. Friends of the Earth International’s determination will continue to be a testament to the power of people standing together for climate justice.