Shell wins appeal over carbon emission cuts in Dutch court

A Dutch appeals court ruled that Shell does not have to meet a previous mandate to reduce carbon emissions by 45%, overturning a 2021 decision in favor of environmental groups.

Anna Holligan reports for BBC.

In short:

• A Dutch appeals court found Shell is not obligated to cut emissions by 45% since no clear “social standard of care” requires it, despite agreeing on the need for companies to limit emissions.
• Friends of the Earth Netherlands, which won a lower court ruling requiring Shell to reduce emissions, expressed disappointment and plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.
• Shell argued that holding one company accountable for a global issue was unfair and that consumers and governments should drive broader climate action.

Key quote:

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint and the race isn’t yet over.”

— Donald Pols, Friends of the Earth Netherlands

Why this matters:

The ruling sets a legal precedent, potentially shielding companies from emissions targets based on "duty of care" arguments. This decision may affect global climate lawsuits as activists push for corporations to align with international climate goals.

Related: Dutch and American climate deniers team up as Europe leans right