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Press release / 12 november 2024

Ruling climate case Shell: "Shell has an obligation to protect human rights."

Uitspraak Klimaatzaak Shell

The Hague, 12 November 2024 - The court has ruled in Shell's appeal in the Climate Case that Milieudefensie won against Shell in 2021. The Court of Appeal has ruled that the oil and gas giant has a responsibility to reduce its emissions, but has not imposed a reduction obligation.

Both ENDS officer Financial Flows and Infrastructure Anne de Jonghe: "While we are disappointed, there is also hope. The fact that human rights were explicitly mentioned shows that big companies like Shell can be held accountable. In the Niger Delta water sources have been polluted and land rendered unusable. This verdict strengthens the debate about the role of polluters in the climate crisis and inspires activists in the Global South we work with to continue to hold big companies and investors accountable for the human rights violations they cause."
 
There are some bright spots in the ruling. The Court of Appeal has ruled that Shell has an individual responsibility to reduce its CO2 emissions to stop dangerous climate change. The Court also clearly stated that exploration of new oil and gas fields are at odds with the Paris climate agreement. The Court unequivocally underscored that protection against climate change is a human right and that not just states, but also companies such as Shell are under an obligation to protect human rights.
 
Milieudefensie filed its lawsuit in 2018 with six* co-plaintiff organisations and with the support of more than 17,000 people. Both ENDS became a co-plaintiff in 2019.

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Themes

  • Land & water governance
  • Trade and investments
  • Climate justice
  • Human rights and gender

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