{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"What kind of climate lawsuits have been filed against Shell?","text":"An overview of climate-related lawsuits involving Shell, key court rulings, and Shell’s perspective on climate change and the global energy transition.","links":[{"name":"What kind of climate lawsuits have been filed against Shell?","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.jpeg/1774876180456/climate-lawsuites-timelapse.jpeg","alt":"An aerial view of a network of intersecting roads at night with striking blue and yellow colours added to light up parts of the roads.","width":3840,"height":2160},"tags":[{"name":"Corporate Relations","value":"line-of-business:corporate-relations"}]},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com/"},{"name":"News and insights","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights.html"},{"name":"Shell’s perspectives on key topics","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics.html"},{"name":"What kind of climate lawsuits have been filed against Shell?","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"What kind of climate change lawsuits have been filed against Shell?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EShell continues to defend its position in climate-related lawsuits. This page explains the nature of some of those claims, Shell's response to them, the relevant court decisions to date, and why Shell believes litigation against individual companies will not help progress the energy transition.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header"}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"inherited","children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_272445048/text","model":{"text":"\u003Ch2\u003ESummary\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EShell fully recognises the urgent need to address climate change and the transformation required across the global energy system.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EWe also believe that companies like Shell have an important role to play in the energy transition. Where we disagree with lawsuits brought against us is the means of achieving that progress.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ELawsuits aimed at individual companies are not an effective way to advance the energy transition. They do not enable the global co-operation required to change both supply and demand for energy, as well as the infrastructure supporting the use of energy. This requires progress through policy, innovation and collaboration between governments, businesses and consumers.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1-solid","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_272445048/text_50657073","model":{"title":"On this page","links":[{"name":"Shell and climate lawsuits: what you need to know","value":"#shell-and-climate-lawsuits--what-you-need-to-know","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/navigation/arrow-down.svg"},{"name":"Milieudefensie vs Shell, the Netherlands","value":"#milieudefensie-vs-shell--the-netherlands","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/navigation/arrow-down.svg"},{"name":"Typhoon Odette, UK","value":"#typhoon-odette--uk","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/navigation/arrow-down.svg"},{"name":"Climate-related lawsuits, USA","value":"#climate-related-lawsuits--usa","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/navigation/arrow-down.svg"},{"name":"Frequently asked questions about climate lawsuits filed against Shell","value":"#frequently-asked-questions-about-climate-lawsuits-filed-against-shell","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/navigation/arrow-down.svg"}]}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_272445048","model":{"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/_jcr_content/root/main/section_272445048.shellimg.png/1774538869413/textured-background.png","alt":"textured background","width":3828,"height":957}}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"inherited","children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_276697994/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EIn some countries, governments, regulators, organisations and individuals have filed lawsuits of a wide variety against companies, including Shell. This includes seeking to hold oil and gas companies liable for costs associated with climate change, or seeking court-ordered reductions in emissions, challenging the regulatory approvals and operating licences, or challenging energy transition strategies and plans.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nSome of these climate lawsuits are brought by law firms who are operating on a contingency fee basis and/or supported by undisclosed third party litigation funders. Shell believes transparency around funding sources is important for public trust in the legal process.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nWhere cases have been brought against Shell, we are defending our position robustly. We fully recognise the urgent need to address climate change and the transformation required across the global energy system. We also believe that companies like Shell have an important role to play in the energy transition. Where we disagree is the means of achieving that progress. \u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nLitigation aimed at individual companies is not an effective way to reduce global emissions. Court cases cannot address the underlying demand for affordable, secure energy, nor can they deliver the large-scale policy frameworks or technological advances required to accelerate the energy transition.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_276697994","model":{"title":"Shell and climate lawsuits: what you need to know"}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"brand1-subtle","children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023/text_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003EMilieudefensie vs Shell, the Netherlands\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EIn the Netherlands, Milieudefensie brought a case against Shell plc seeking court-ordered reductions in the worldwide carbon emissions reported by Shell.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"Container","colspan":6,"children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023/simple/text_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Ch4\u003EWhat have the claimants alleged?\u003C/h4\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIn 2019, Milieudefensie (Friends of the Earth Netherlands) and other claimants filed a case against Shell in the District Court of The Hague.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nThey alleged that Shell’s contributions to climate change violated its duty of care under Dutch law and human rights obligations. The claimants sought a ruling from the court for Shell to reduce the worldwide aggregate emissions it reports.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023/simple/text","model":{"text":"\u003Ch4\u003EWhat have the courts ruled to date?\u003C/h4\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Hague Court of Appeal fully dismissed Milieudefensie’s case against Shell on November 12, 2024. This annulled the earlier court decision by the District Court of The Hague ordering Shell to reduce worldwide aggregate carbon emissions across Scope 1, 2 and 3 by net 45% by 2030, compared with 2019 levels.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023/simple","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","colspan":6,"children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023/simple_copy/text_copy_148879214","model":{"text":"\u003Ch4\u003EWhat was Shell’s response to the ruling?\u003C/h4\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EShell was pleased with the court’s decision, which it believes is the right one for the global energy transition, the Netherlands and the company.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nA court ruling would not reduce overall customer demand for products such as petrol and diesel for cars, or for gas to heat and power homes and businesses.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nIt would do little to reduce emissions, as customers would take their business elsewhere. Shell believes that smart policies from governments, along with investment and action across all sectors, will drive the progress needed in the transition.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023/simple_copy/text_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Ch4\u003EWhat are the next steps?\u003C/h4\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EMilieudefensie has since appealed this case to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, and we remain confident in the strength of our legal position. A hearing on the matter will take place before the Supreme Court on May 22, 2026.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023/simple_copy","model":{}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023/text_24488286","model":{"text":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003C/i\u003E\u003C/b\u003ETimeline\u003C/h4\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EApril 5, 2019 (Case filed)\u003C/b\u003E: Milieudefensie (Friends of the Earth Netherlands) and other claimants file the case in the District Court of The Hague. Shell responds that it would prefer to engage in dialogue and work together on the energy transition rather than facing each other in court.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDecember 1–17, 2020 (Hearings held):\u003C/b\u003E Four days of hearings took place on 1, 3, 15 and 17 December 2020 in the District Court of The Hague.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMay 26, 2021 (District Court ruling):\u003C/b\u003E The District Court of The Hague ordered Shell to reduce the worldwide aggregate CO₂ emissions it reports across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 45% (net) by 2030 compared with 2019.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EJuly 20, 2021 (Shell confirms decision to appeal):\u003C/b\u003E Shell announced it would appeal the District Court’s ruling, stating that a court judgment against a single company is not an effective way to address climate change, which is a challenge that requires a global and co-ordinated approach.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMarch 22, 2022 (Shell files appeal): \u003C/b\u003EShell filed its appeal brief with the Court of Appeal in The Hague arguing the District Court of the Hague’s reduction order lacked a basis in Dutch law, was unreasonable and would be ineffective because it focused only on energy supply and not customer demand for energy.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EApril 2, 3, 4 & 13, 2024 (Appeal hearings):\u003C/b\u003E Hearings took place on 2, 3, 4 and 12 April 2024 at the Court of Appeal in The Hague, the Netherlands.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENovember 12, 2024 (Court of Appeal overturns the 2021 judgment): \u003C/b\u003EThe Court of Appeal in the Hague fully dismissed Milieudefensie’s claims, overturning the 2021 ruling with immediate effect. The key legal findings of the Judgment are that the reduction order imposed by the District Court could not be upheld because:\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ERegarding Scopes 1 and 2, Shell’s existing emissions reductions targets exceeded the order sought by Milieudefensie and were “sufficiently concrete and progressed”. The Court did not find it likely that Shell would fail to reduce its emissions by 45% by 2030, relative to 2019.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ERegarding Scope 3 emissions, there is insufficient consensus in climate science to justify the application of a specific reduction percentage to an individual company like Shell. The Court also determined that any reduction order in respect of Scope 3 would not be effective in reducing overall global emissions because other companies would take over Shell’s energy product sales. \u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFebruary 11, 2025 (Milieudefensie \u003C/b\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-size: 0.8125rem;\"\u003Eannounces Supreme Court appeal): \u003C/b\u003EMilieudefensie announces it will appeal to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands. The Supreme Court will assess whether the law has been applied correctly and whether the Court of Appeal in the Hague rendered a sufficiently reasoned judgment. The process typically takes around 18 months.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENovember 7, 2025 (Shell files Statement of Defence and Cross Appeal):\u003C/b\u003E In response to Milieudefensie’s appeal to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, Shell files its Statement of Defence and Cross Appeal arguing that what Milieudefensie wants has no basis in the law, is not effective and interferes with European energy transition policy and regulation.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1-solid","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023/text_1117242847","model":{"text":"\u003Ch4\u003ECourt filings and public documents\u003C/h4\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Access the summary of Shell’s Statement of Defence in the Supreme Court Proceedings","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/_jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023/text_1117242847/links/item0.stream/1762510245322/e19fa7e34d9a36bf72229cc3c868951a152b9485/netherlands_proc2025-11-07_Statement-of-Defence-Shell%20Unofficial-English-translation.pdf","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/operations/link.svg"},{"name":"Read more about the Climate Case in Dutch","value":"https://www.shell.nl/over-ons/nieuws/dossiers/klimaatzaak.html","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/operations/link.svg"},{"name":"Read more about the Climate Case in English","value":"https://www.shell.nl/over-ons/nieuws/dossiers/klimaatzaak/climate-case.html","icon":"/content/dam/shell/icons/global/operations/link.svg"}]}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_781311023","model":{"title":"Ongoing lawsuits against Shell"}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"inherited","children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1985330429/text_copy_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003ETyphoon Odette, UK\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1985330429/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EA claim has been filed against Shell plc and The Shell Transport and Trading Company Limited (ST&T) in the English High Court in relation to loss and damage allegedly arising from Typhoon Odette (Typhoon Rai) in the Philippines in 2021.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1-subtle","colspan":6,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1985330429/text_2108075012_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Ch4\u003EWhat have the claimants alleged?\u003C/h4\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe claimants allege that Shell’s historic global emissions materially contributed to climate change, which in turn materially contributed to the likelihood of extreme weather events in the Philippines, including Typhoon Odette. They are seeking unspecified damages and emissions reductions from Shell.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1-subtle","colspan":6,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1985330429/text_2108075012","model":{"text":"\u003Ch4\u003EWhat is Shell's response?\u003C/h4\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EShell acknowledges the very real experiences of those affected by Typhoon Odette. However, litigation against individual corporations is not and cannot be the solution to the global energy transition.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003ESeeking to attribute a single extreme weather event to the activities of individual companies and their customers is not scientifically or legally credible.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EFurther, the suggestion that Shell had unique knowledge about climate change is simply not true. The issue of climate change and how to tackle it has been part of public discussion and scientific research for decades.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EProducing and using oil and gas are lawful activities and the result of decades of choices made by governments, businesses and consumers. This claim overlooks that as well as the benefits that reliable and affordable energy bring to all of society.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EWe will defend our position robustly while continuing to reduce emissions from our operations and providing the vital energy society needs.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1985330429","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"brand1-subtle","children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1985330429_c_1789715056/text","model":{"text":"\u003Ch3\u003EClimate-related lawsuits, USA\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1985330429_c_1789715056/text_1145992368","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EIn the USA, Shell is named alongside other industry members in numerous lawsuits filed mostly by state and local governments. Shell alongside others has also been named in a wrongful death personal injury suit and a class action for increased home insurance premiums.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1","colspan":6,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1985330429_c_1789715056/text_2108075012_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Ch4\u003EWhat have the claimants alleged?\u003C/h4\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe plaintiffs are seeking expansive monetary damages. Many of the cases allege violations of state consumer protection laws (e.g. false advertising) as well as tort claims of nuisance, deception and failure to warn. They claim that industry has known since the 1960s of the relationship between fossil fuel products and climate change and either directly, or indirectly through trade associations, concealed or downplayed the science while continuing to promote the unabated use of fossil fuels.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are also two cases alleging Shell’s failure to adapt terminal assets to climate risk is a violation of regulatory permits.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"brand1","colspan":6,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1985330429_c_1789715056/text_2108075012","model":{"text":"\u003Ch4\u003EWhat is Shell's response?\u003C/h4\u003E\r\n\u003Cul\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EWe agree that action is needed now on climate change, and we fully support the need for society to transition to a lower-carbon future. As we supply vital energy the world needs today, we continue to reduce our emissions and help customers reduce theirs.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EAddressing climate change requires a collaborative, society-wide approach. We do not believe the courtroom is the right venue to address climate change, but that smart policy from government and action from all parts of society is the appropriate way to reach solutions and drive progress.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EShell’s position on climate change has been publicly documented for more than 30 years, including in publications such as our \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com/investors/results-and-reporting/annual-report-archive.html\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003EAnnual Reports\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com/sustainability/reporting-centre/reporting-centre-archive.html\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ESustainability Reports\u003C/a\u003E. In 1991, Shell produced a documentary called “Climate of Concern”, which was available to the public.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003EThe Shell Group has been advocating for a CO\u003Csub\u003E2\u003C/sub\u003E trading system for at least three decades.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ul\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1985330429_c_1789715056","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"inherited","children":[{"organism":"Container.FAQ","colspan":8,"colstart":3,"children":[{"organism":"AccordionItem.FAQ","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006/faq/faq_item_copy_842524500","model":{"title":"Why is Shell being sued over climate change?","text":"\u003Cp\u003ELawsuits brought against Shell contend that Shell, along with other oil and gas companies, is responsible for the alleged impacts of climate change under a variety of legal theories.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nShell remains open to dialogue and to participating in constructive efforts to address climate change. But litigation that targets individual companies for global, societal issues is not the right path forward and cannot deliver meaningful solutions.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nLitigation does not enable the global cooperation required to change both supply and demand for energy, as well as the infrastructure supporting the use of energy. This requires collaboration amongst governments, businesses and consumers.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nShell will defend itself against claims that lack legal or factual merit, while continuing to focus on providing the secure energy people and businesses rely on today, while helping to build the energy system of the future.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"AccordionItem.FAQ","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006/faq/faq_item_copy_741580676","model":{"title":"What role does Shell play in helping tackle climate change?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EWe believe urgent action is needed on climate change and that organisations like Shell have an important role to play.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nWe support a balanced energy transition, one that maintains secure and affordable energy supplies as the world moves to low-carbon energy.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nFor Shell, this includes supplying the oil and gas people need today, while helping to build the energy system of the future, with low-carbon energy products and solutions.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"AccordionItem.FAQ","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006/faq/faq_item","model":{"title":"Which lawsuits allege that Shell’s historical emissions are linked to extreme weather events?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EA group of individuals in the Philippines have started a lawsuit against Shell in the English court in relation to loss and damage from Typhoon Odette in the Philippines in 2021. This case is similar to litigation against oil and gas companies in the USA.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nProducing and using oil and gas are lawful activities and the result of decades of choices made by governments, businesses and consumers, not the actions of one company. These lawsuits also overlook the benefits that reliable and affordable energy bring to all of society.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nWe will defend our position robustly while continuing to reduce emissions from our operations and providing the vital energy society needs.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"AccordionItem.FAQ","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006/faq/faq_item_copy_2086973966","model":{"title":"What is Shell’s position on the so-called theory of “attribution science” relied on by the claimants in those cases?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EIn many of the climate lawsuits against the oil and gas industry, claimants rely on new and disputed attribution theories that purport to provide a “scientific” basis to hold a single company liable for harms alleged to be caused by a weather event or conditions that would not have occurred but for climate change.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nThe link between the occurrence and intensity of a given weather event and climate change is highly uncertain and debated among scientists who continue to study the issue. The assertion that such harms can be pinned on a particular actor in the interconnected global energy system lacks a legal and scientific basis.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"AccordionItem.FAQ","color":"brand1-subtle","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006/faq/faq_item_copy","model":{"title":"Why did ClientEarth file a lawsuit against Shell and why was it rejected?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EClientEarth, an international environmental law charity, filed a claim against Shell plc and its Board of Directors in 2023 challenging the board’s decision-making regarding Shell’s climate strategy. It was a derivative action (one brought by shareholders) which required permission from the English court to proceed. ClientEarth held only 27 shares in Shell and no other shareholder was a party to the claim.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\nClientEarth’s claim was rejected four times by both the High Court and Court of Appeal. The judge found that ClientEarth’s claim entirely ignored how Directors of a business as large and complex as Shell must balance a range of competing considerations, which the Court is not equipped to do.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n \u003Cbr\u003E\r\nThe judgment also implied that ClientEarth had an “ulterior” motive in bringing the proceedings, given the very limited extent of its shareholder interest in Shell; that ClientEarth’s primary purpose in bringing the claim was to advance its “own policy agenda”. Shell was awarded its legal costs.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006/faq","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1702087006","model":{"title":"Frequently asked questions about climate lawsuits filed against Shell"}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"brand1-subtle","children":[{"organism":"Container.List","colspan":8,"colstart":3,"children":[{"organism":"AccordionItem","color":"brand1","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1893691012/list_copy/list_item","model":{"title":"Cautionary note","text":"\u003Cp\u003EThe companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this content “Shell”, “Shell Group” and “Group” are sometimes used for convenience to reference Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ‘‘Subsidiaries’’, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this content refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms “joint venture”, “joint operations”, “joint arrangements”, and “associates” may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EForward-Looking statements\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis content contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”; “ambition”; ‘‘anticipate’’; “aspire”, “aspiration”, ‘‘believe’’; “commit”; “commitment”; ‘‘could’’; “desire”; ‘‘estimate’’; ‘‘expect’’; ‘‘goals’’; ‘‘intend’’; ‘‘may’’; “milestones”; ‘‘objectives’’; ‘‘outlook’’; ‘‘plan’’; ‘‘probably’’; ‘‘project’’; ‘‘risks’’; “schedule”; ‘‘seek’’; ‘‘should’’; ‘‘target’’; “vision”; ‘‘will’’; “would” and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this content, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks, including climate change; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including tariffs and regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, and a significant cyber security, data privacy or IT incident; (n) the pace of the energy transition; and (o) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this content are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025 (available at \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html\"\u003Ewww.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.sec.gov/\"\u003Ewww.sec.gov\u003C/a\u003E). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this content and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this content. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this content.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShell’s net carbon intensity\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EAlso, in this content we may refer to Shell’s “net carbon intensity” (NCI), which includes Shell’s carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers’ carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers’ carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell’s NCI also includes the emissions associated with the production and use of energy products produced by others which Shell purchases for resale. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the terms Shell’s “net carbon intensity” or NCI is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EShell’s net-zero emissions target\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EShell’s operating plan and outlook are forecasted for a three-year period and ten-year period, respectively, and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next three and ten years. Accordingly, the outlook reflects our combined Scope 1 and 2 target, NCI target and our oil products ambition over the next ten years. However, Shell’s operating plan and outlook cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target, as this target is outside our planning period. Such future operating plans and outlooks could include changes to our portfolio, efficiency improvements and the use of carbon capture and storage and carbon credits. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell’s operating plans and outlooks to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EForward-Looking non-GAAP measures\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis content may contain certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures such as free cash flow and underlying operating expenses. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside the control of Shell, such as oil and gas prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future periods which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are calculated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied in Shell plc’s consolidated financial statements.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe contents of websites referred to in this content do not form part of this content.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EWe may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this content that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website \u003Ca href=\"https://www.sec.gov/\"\u003Ewww.sec.gov\u003C/a\u003E. \u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1893691012/list_copy","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1893691012","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Section","color":"brand1","children":[{"organism":"PromoCard","color":"brand1-subtle","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c/promo_copy_672815987","model":{"title":"Shell Energy Transition Strategy 2024","text":"\u003Cp\u003ELearn how we are providing energy today while helping to build the energy system of the future.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"value":"https://www.shell.com/sustainability/climate/shell-energy-transition-strategy.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/_jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c/promo_copy_672815987.shellimg.png/1774856050851/energy-transition.png","alt":"Shell Energy Transition Strategy 2024","width":3831,"height":2157}}},{"organism":"PromoCard","color":"brand1-subtle","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c/promo_copy_212864170","model":{"title":"What is Shell’s view on climate change?","text":"\u003Cp\u003EShell agrees that action is needed now on climate change and fully supports the need for society to transition to a lower-carbon future.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-is-shells-view-on-climate-change.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/_jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c/promo_copy_212864170.shellimg.jpeg/1775127983620/climate-change-lawsuits.jpeg","alt":"A Shell employee wearing Shell branded protective workwear uses his radio during maintenance work on a wind turbine.","width":3840,"height":2160}}},{"organism":"PromoCard","color":"brand1-subtle","colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c/promo_copy_212864170_1489914864","model":{"title":"Advocacy and political activity","text":"\u003Cp\u003EThe global transition to net-zero emissions needs unprecedented collaboration. Shell is working with governments, industry associations, coalitions and others to help shape comprehensive policy, legislation and regulation.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"value":"https://www.shell.com/sustainability/advocacy-and-political-activity.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/_jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c/promo_copy_212864170_1489914864.shellimg.jpeg/1774447867585/advocacy-banner-new.jpeg","alt":"Advocacy and political activity","width":2119,"height":1193}}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main/section_1469856504_c","model":{"title":"You may also be interested in"}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/main","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Footer","children":[{"organism":"Breadcrumb.Large","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com/"},{"name":"News and insights","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights.html"},{"name":"Shell’s perspectives on key topics","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics.html"},{"name":"What kind of climate lawsuits have been filed against Shell?","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"What kind of climate lawsuits have been filed against Shell?","text":"An overview of climate-related lawsuits involving Shell, key court rulings, and Shell’s perspective on climate change and the global energy transition.","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Global"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-GB"},{"name":"title","value":"What kind of climate lawsuits have been filed against Shell? | Shell Global"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/corporate/global/en_gb/news-and-insights/shells-perspectives-on-key-topics/what-kind-of-climate-lawsuits-have-been-filed-against-shell"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\n\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell global website.\r\n\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. 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