On nov 12th‚ Dutch appeals court made unexpected move - it canceled previous court order that made Shell speed up its carbon cuts (the ruling from couple years ago that many thought was game-changing)
The court stated important points: fighting climate change is basic human right and companies must cut greenhouse gases but its not courts job to set exact numbers. Judge Carla Joustra explained: “Even though Shell-like companies products caused climate issues they cant be forced to follow specific targets“
Looking at Shellʼs progress - their direct emissions dropped more than 30% since 16ʼ and company wants to hit 50% reduction by 30ʼ (which court found ok). The judges think broad targets might backfire: if Shell cuts gas sales customers could switch to coal - making things worse
Products from companies like Shell have caused the climate problem. These companies have a human rights obligation to everyone in the world to reduce their CO2 emissions
Different sides had strong views on this. Donald Pols from Friends of Earth Netherlands said: “This hurts“ while young activist Neele Boelens was almost in tears. However Wael Sawan‚ Shellʼs boss thinks its right for global energy shift
Market experts from Citigroup see this as win-win: shareholders keep more control and Shellʼs strategy stays on track. The court pointed out that available science data doesnt give enough info to force specific CO2 cuts by 30ʼ