Another historic moment: the Dutch Supreme Court is hearing our first Climate Case against Shell. The court of appeal already ruled in 2024 that Shell has a duty to reduce its emissions. On Friday 22 May, we argue that this duty must come with a specific figure.
This is the first time in the world that a national highest court will rule on a Climate Case like this. Tune in to the live hearing and be part of this special moment.
In 2021, the district court ruled that Shell must comply with the Paris Climate Agreement and reduce its emissions by 45% by 2030. This is the first time anywhere in the world that a company has been legally obliged to implement climate policy. A historic judgment!
And in 2024, on appeal, the Court of Appeal confirmed that Shell must reduce its CO2 emissions, but without specifying a concrete percentage. An important ruling, but in this way the obligation remains too open-ended. That is why we are now taking the case to the Supreme Court. This way, we can ensure that one of the world’s biggest polluters finally takes responsibility.
Found out what the 3 reasons are why we have a strong case before the Supreme Court.
During the hearing, all parties will have one final opportunity to present their arguments. Our lawyers Roger Cox and Philip Fruytier will present the case on behalf of Milieudefensie. Afterwards, the parties may briefly respond to each other’s statements. The Supreme Court will then form its judgement based on the written submissions and the arguments presented at the hearing. At the end of 2026, an advisory opinion will be issued to the Supreme Court by the attorney generalThe final ruling is expected in early 2027.
The Court of Appeal ruled in our favor on many points. Among other things, it stated that Shell and other large companies have a duty to combat dangerous climate change and protect human rights. The ruling confirms that major polluters such as Shell have a duty to reduce their CO2 emissions. But more is needed. Climate change doesn't wait. There is more than enough legal basis to set a specific reduction target. That is why we are now taking the case to the Supreme Court.
And that’s not all. We have recently launched a new Climate Case against Shell. In this case, we demand that Shell stops drilling new oil and gas fields. We delivered the court summons in April.
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