New research by the OCI (Oil Change International) shows that Shell’s climate ambitions are nowhere near enough to prevent further global warming. The OCI examined the climate plans of 8 oil giants. If their plans are implemented, it will be impossible to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celcius.
The researchers used 10 criteria to assess the companies to see whether their ambitions are sufficient to limit the effects of the climate crisis. Here is the review of Shell. And it’s not a report to be proud of.
10 things that prove Shell is doing too little to stay below the 1.5-degree limit:
- Shell continues to search for new energy sources
Shell is continuing its search for new oil and gas sources. Even though it has been agreed in the Paris Agreement that drilling for fossil fuels must be phased out.
- Shell continues to drill
Shell will continue to tap new oil and gas resources until at least 2030.
- Shell continues to invest in fossil
Over 95% of Shell’s investments go into oil and gas production. Shell invests a meagre 5% in renewable energy.
- Shell doesn’t have any concrete phase-out plans
The oil company does not set concrete targets for sustainability. The current plans are not enough to maintain the 1.5-degree Celcius global warming limit.
- Shell is not doing anything to reduce car emissions
The only plans Shell has now to reduce CO2 emissions deal with what is released into the environment during production, not with the actual consumption of the fuel they produce.
Allow us to elaborate: there are different types of emissions. Scopes 1 and 2 are forms of emissions that are released during the production process of petrol and diesel. Scope 3 emissions are released when vehicles use Shell petrol, for example. Shell only has plans to reduce Scopes 1 and 2 (which constitutes only 15% of Shell’s total emissions). But Shell has almost no plans to do anything about Scope 3 (85% of Shell’s emissions).
- Shell relies on carbon capture and storage
Shell relies too much on all kinds of emission capture technologies. These technologies are not yet available, not profitable or there is simply not enough space for them.
- Shell is unfair about the impact of gas on the climate
Shell promotes gas as a fuel that is cleaner and better for the climate than oil. However, decreasing gas production will also be necessary to achieve the goals in the Paris Agreement.
- Shell remains a member of lobby groups
Since the Paris Agreement, the 5 largest private oil and gas companies have spent $200 million annually on lobbying in attempts to delay the climate deal. Shell is one of the companies actively trying to undermine the Paris Agreement.
- Shell offers no end date
Shell has no goal, no phase-out plan and no deadline for ending oil and gas extraction. These deadlines are necessary to ensure that the impending changes occur fairly, with special attention paid to workers rights.
- Shell has no plan for employee retraining
Shell has no plans to guide its employees to green jobs in a fair and effective manner.
Support our court case against Shell
It’s clear: Shell is not going to change by itself. Shell continues to invest in oil and gas, endangering the future of the planet. Read the full report "Big Oil Reality Check" here.
That is why Friends of the Earth Netherlands initiated a climate lawsuit against Shell. We want the judge to force Shell to bring its business plans in line with the Paris Agreement. Will you help us take on one of the most powerful companies in the world? Then share this article!
