In arguably the most significant climate change judgment yet, a
Dutch District Court at the Hague ordered Royal Dutch Shell PLC
(Shell) to start reducing its Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions by 45%
by 2030. The Court found that due to the serious threats and risks
to the human rights of Dutch residents, private companies such as
Shell may also be required to take drastic measures and make
financial sacrifices to limit CO2 emissions to prevent dangerous
climate change.
Background
The class action lawsuit was filed in April 2019 by seven (7)
activist groups (Plaintiffs) on behalf of 17,379 Dutch citizens
claiming that Shell's business model "endangers human
rights and lives" and poses a threat to the goals set out
in the Paris Agreement. The Plaintiffs alleged that Shell ought to
be accountable for its current policy as well as conformity with
the climate targets under the Paris Agreement. The Plaintiffs'
sought for, amongst others, a declaration that:
