Dutch Court Overturns Shell Emission Reduction Order

Dutch Court Overturns Shell Emission Reduction Order

fr.euronews.com

Dutch Court Overturns Shell Emission Reduction Order

A Dutch appeals court overturned a lower court's ruling ordering Shell to cut carbon emissions, sparking debate over corporate climate responsibility.

French
United States
Climate ChangeNetherlandsEnergy SecurityLawsuitEnergyClimateEmissionsAppeal
ShellFriends Of The EarthUnited Nations
Donald PolsWael SawanCarla Joustra
What was Shell's response to the court's decision?
Shell welcomed the court's decision, emphasizing their commitment to becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Their existing carbon emission targets, according to the court, already align with Friends of the Earth's demands.
How did Friends of the Earth Netherlands react to the appeals court's decision?
Friends of the Earth Netherlands, who initially celebrated the 2021 ruling as a climate victory, are disappointed by the decision. They plan to appeal the ruling to the Dutch Supreme Court.
What were the main reasons given by the appeals court for overturning the initial ruling?
The court acknowledged Shell's duty of care in limiting emissions but argued that setting a specific percentage reduction for Shell was impractical. They stated that there isn't enough scientific consensus on a precise reduction percentage for individual companies.
What was the outcome of the Dutch appeals court's decision regarding Shell's carbon emission reduction targets?
A Dutch appeals court overturned a 2021 ruling that ordered Shell to reduce its carbon emissions by 45% by 2030. The court deemed the original ruling's emission reduction target unachievable and lacked sufficient scientific consensus.
What is the significance of this legal decision in the broader context of climate change and corporate responsibility?
The ruling occurred during the COP28 climate conference in Azerbaijan, highlighting ongoing international discussions on corporate climate responsibility and the legal challenges surrounding emission reduction targets. The decision is significant in the context of holding corporations accountable for climate change.