Shell Wins Appeal In Dutch Climate Ruling

On 12 November 2024, the Court of Appeal in The Hague handed down its ruling in the appeal proceedings between Shell plc and Milieudefensie, a non-governmental organization. Shell appealed a district court ruling ordering the company to reduce its global CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, through the group's corporate policy.

The Court of Appeal ruled that, while Shell is indeed obligated to reduce its CO2 emissions, a civil court cannot require it to meet specific reduction targets. As a result, the Court of Appeal overturned the ruling and rejected Milieudefensie's claims.

Background

Milieudefensie initiated this lawsuit in 2018, arguing that Shell has a duty of care to contribute to the fight against climate change. According to the 26 May 2021 ruling, Shell was ordered to reduce its own emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2019 in relation to three types of CO2 emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3). Consequently, this meant that Shell had to ensure