A Dutch activist group that won a legal battle against Royal Dutch Shell over its climate strategy has urged the company to ditch its appeal and hold joint talks on how to reduce its emissions, Reuters reported on June 24.
A court in The Hague ordered Shell on May 26 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from burning oil and gas by 45% by 2030, significantly faster than its current plans, in a landmark case filed by seven groups including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth Netherlands.
Shell CEO Ben van Beurden said the company planned to appeal the ruling but that the Anglo-Dutch company would also accelerate its energy-transition strategy and deepen emission cuts.
The court ruling came amid mounting pressure from investors and activist groups on the world top oil companies including Exxon Mobil to tackle their emissions.
In the letter sent on June 24, Friends of the Earth Netherlands called on Shell not to appeal against the ruling.
"It is important to act swiftly and not to wait for legal proceedings to finish. We have very little time left to turn the tide," the group said in the letter addressed to van Beurden.
"We are convinced that it is in everyone's interest - especially that of the climate - to avoid an appeal."
Friends of the Earth Netherlands said it would be "constructive" for both sides to "discuss the new reality in light of the verdict, its implementation, and our shared interest in preventing dangerous climate change."
Shell said in response that it still expected to appeal the ruling.
"We agree that urgent action is needed on climate change and, while we expect to appeal the ruling, we want to rise to the challenge and accelerate our existing strategy," it added.
"We have previously offered to engage with Milieudefensie (Friends of the Earth) and will of course consider their proposal."
Recommended Reading
US Drillers Add Oil, Gas Rigs for First Time in Five Weeks
2024-04-19 - The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose by two to 619 in the week to April 19.
Strike Energy Updates 3D Seismic Acquisition in Perth Basin
2024-04-19 - Strike Energy completed its 3D seismic acquisition of Ocean Hill on schedule and under budget, the company said.
Santos’ Pikka Phase 1 in Alaska to Deliver First Oil by 2026
2024-04-18 - Australia's Santos expects first oil to flow from the 80,000 bbl/d Pikka Phase 1 project in Alaska by 2026, diversifying Santos' portfolio and reducing geographic concentration risk.
Iraq to Seek Bids for Oil, Gas Contracts April 27
2024-04-18 - Iraq will auction 30 new oil and gas projects in two licensing rounds distributed across the country.
Vår Energi Hits Oil with Ringhorne North
2024-04-17 - Vår Energi’s North Sea discovery de-risks drilling prospects in the area and could be tied back to Balder area infrastructure.