Shell Goes To The Netherlands’ Highest Court Over Its Emissions Fate

Supermajor Shell is facing the Netherlands’ Supreme Court in an emissions lawsuit that, a few years ago, led to a ruling requiring the company to slash emissions from operations by 45% by 2030, a ruling a higher court later overturned. [some emphasis, links added]

Back in 2021, the District Court in The Hague ordered Shell to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 45% by 2030 in a landmark ruling on a suit brought by the environmentalist group Milieudefensie (Friends of the Earth), other NGOs, and a group of private individuals.

At the time, commentators said the ruling could set precedents for other oil companies.

These emission reductions were to include the so-called Scope 3 emissions, those generated by the use of Shell’s products, per the order of the district court in 2021. Shell appealed the ruling, and in 2024, the appeals court overturned the district court’s ruling.

Shell welcomed the appeals court judgment, with CEO Wael Sawan saying, “We are pleased with the court’s decision, which we believe is the right one for the global energy transition, the Netherlands, and our company.”

Shell had argued that a court ruling would do little to reduce overall customer demand for petroleum products or for natural gas to heat and power homes and businesses.

The company has also argued that it was not for courts to impose limits on companies’ operations—a prerogative of the legislative system.

Milieudefensie (Friends of the Earth) then took matters to the Supreme Court.

“Judges have already confirmed that Shell is responsible for reducing emissions and to make its own contribution to the Paris Climate Agreement,” the lawyer representing Milieudefensie said last year.

“There is enough of a legal basis to make the ruling more specific and stronger,” he added at the time.

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