Announcements
Announcements
SEI Senior Scientist Peter Erickson comments on the verdict, which says Shell must cut its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels.
Photo: jada photo / Getty Images
On Wednesday, the District Court of The Hague ruled that Shell must cut its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels. This includes the emissions associated with burning oil and gas (“scope 3” emissions), and therefore, in effect, is a ruling that Shell must reduce its fossil fuel production.
The case is the first to hold an oil company liable for climate change. The ruling comes after Milieudefensie — the Dutch arm of Friends of the Earth — joined several other non-profits and 17 000 individuals to file a lawsuit against Royal Dutch Shell plc. in 2019.
SEI Senior Scientist Peter Erickson wrote a letter to the court in December, concluding that a Shell-commissioned report on oil and gas production was misleading and concluding that restricting Shell’s production would help reduce CO2 emissions.
“Today’s verdict is in line with the research: if oil majors like Shell reduce their fossil fuel production, it will help reduce global CO2 emissions, as necessary to meet climate goals,” Erickson said. “Limiting fossil fuel production is a necessary step, among many, to keep global warming to 1.5°C, as agreed in the Paris Agreement.”
Initiative / The Carbon Lock-In Initiative seeks to uncover and address the barriers that uphold the fossil fuel-based economy.
Other publication / In a letter submitted to the District Court of The Hague, SEI Senior Scientist Peter Erickson criticizes a Shell-commissioned report on oil and gas production.
Feature / The 2020 Special Report outlines how Covid-19 recovery plans could set the stage for a managed wind-down of fossil fuels as part of “build back better” efforts.
Initiative / The Carbon Lock-In Initiative seeks to uncover and address the barriers that uphold the fossil fuel-based economy.
Design and development by Soapbox.
