An appeals court in the Netherlands on Tuesday handed a legal victory to Shell, finding that a lower bench could not impose a binding mandate on the oil company to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
The decision from the Court of Appeal of The Hague overturns a landmark 2021 ruling that required Shell to slash its greenhouse gas emissions 45 percent by 2030 from 2019 levels. The appeals court found that although Shell has an obligation to address climate change, the lower court cannot force it to take action.
Shell CEO Wael Sawan applauded the outcome of the appeal, calling the decision the “right one” for the global energy transition, the Netherlands and the company.
“A 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,” Sawan said. “It would do little to reduce emissions, as customers would take their business elsewhere.”
