The courts have always dealt with big issues and complex
questions. But are the courts the right place to tackle perhaps the
biggest issue of all?
In recent times there have been a number of high profile court
actions relating to climate change, leaving courts in various parts
of the world grappling with this complex and difficult issue.
Friends of the Earth Netherlands sues Shell
Perhaps the most striking is the decision in the case brought by
Friends of the Earth Netherlands and others. In 2019, oil major
Shell was sued on the grounds that its contributions to climate
change allegedly violated its duty of care under Dutch law and
human rights obligations. Several other organisations joined
Friends of the Earth as plaintiffs, along with more than 17,000
citizens. The plaintiffs sought a ruling from the court that Shell
must reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 45% by 2030
compared to 2010 levels, and to zero by 2050, in line with the
Paris Climate
