The court annulled Shell's commitment to reduce emissions by 45%.

The Appeals Court in the Netherlands has overturned a ruling that mandated the oil and gas company Shell to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030.

This was reported in a press release from the company.

In 2021, the District Court of The Hague ruled that Shell was required to meet obligations to cut carbon emissions by 45% from 2019 levels to aid in combating climate change and to protect the right to a healthy environment. The lawsuit was initiated by the environmental organization Milieudefensie, part of the Friends of the Earth network.

However, the Appeals Court reviewed this decision, stating that the company is not obligated to meet specific conditions regarding the percentage of emissions reduction. In response to the court's ruling, Shell's CEO Wael Sawan stated: “We are pleased with the decision, which we believe is right for the Netherlands' global energy transition and for our company.” He also emphasized that Shell aims to become a net-zero emissions company by 2050.

Meanwhile, representatives from Milieudefensie expressed their dissatisfaction. The organization's director, Donald Pols, described the ruling as a “setback” and “shocking.” He stressed that this is a significant blow to the climate movement and for people concerned about their future. The organization stated that the court's decision confirms Shell's responsibility to reduce CO₂ emissions, albeit without legal obligations. Furthermore, Milieudefensie pointed out that exploring new oil and gas fields contradicts the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that Shell is negotiating the sale of its gas stations in Malaysia to Saudi Aramco, the second-largest network in the country.