Court orders Royal Dutch Shell to cut net emissions by 45%

Royal Dutch Shell has been ordered by The Hague District Court to cut its net carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.

The decision has been welcomed by climate activists who brought the challenge, saying it’s a victory for the planet, media reports.

The court ruled Royal Dutch Shell has a duty of care to reduce emissions and that its existing reduction plans were not strong enough.

Speculation is mounting the case could set a precedent for similar lawsuits against big oil companies.

Shell says it has accelerated emission reduction efforts and is investing billions of dollars in low-carbon energy, including EV charging, hydrogen, renewables and biofuels.

It’s reported to be considering an appeal.

Meanwhile, eight Australian high school students and a nun have won a ruling from the Federal Court of Australia in Sydney that insists federal environment minister Sussan Ley has a duty of care not to allow harm to be caused to young people as a result of climate change.

It’s a judgement RenewEconomy says could have consequences for projects seeking to increase Australia’s coal production, although the court declined to issue an injunction sought by the students to prevent Vickery (Whitehaven) coal mine expansion from proceeding.

The court instead ordered all parties involved to find a way forward.

Media speculate this and the Royal Dutch Shell case may open the floodgates for similar litigation involving such companies, government agencies and representatives.