26 May 2021

The Hague – In a historic verdict today, a Dutch court ruled that Shell is liable for damaging the climate. It is the first time that a major fossil fuel company is held accountable for its contribution to climate change and ordered to reduce its carbon emissions throughout its whole supply chain. Shell is one of the 10 most climate polluting companies in the world. This verdict means that Shell now has to radically change course and reduce its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030, in line with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. This limit is essential to minimise the risks of irreversible and catastrophic climate change.

The climate case was brought by Friends of the Earth Netherlands (Milieudefensie), along with Greenpeace Netherlands, ActionAid, Both ENDS, Fossielvrij NL, Jongeren Milieu Actief, the Waddenvereniging and 17,379 individual co-plaintiffs. Andy Palmen, interim director of Greenpeace Netherlands, said:

“This verdict is a historic victory for the climate and everyone facing the consequences of the climate crisis. Congratulations to Milieudefensie and all other plaintiffs. Shell cannot continue to violate human rights and put profit over people and the planet. This verdict is a clear signal to the fossil fuel industry. Coal, oil and gas need to stay in the ground. People around the world are demanding climate justice. Today the court confirmed that the fossil fuel industry cannot continue their climate pollution. We can hold multinational corporations worldwide accountable for the climate crisis.”