The Court of Appeal of The Hague has overturned the 2021 District Court ruling in the case brought against Shell plc by Milieudefensie, various NGOs, and a group of private individuals.
Shell plc chief executive officer Wael Sawan expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating: “We are pleased with the court’s decision, which we believe is the right one for the global energy transition, the Netherlands, and our company.”
Sawan emphasised that Shell’s commitment to becoming a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 remains central to the company’s strategy. He noted that this goal is transforming Shell’s operations, including its aim to halve emissions from its own activities by 2030. “We are making good progress in our strategy to deliver more value with less emissions,” Sawan added.
The CEO also reflected on the evolving energy landscape, underscoring the past few years as a reminder of the importance of secure and affordable energy for economic stability and people’s well-being. He acknowledged the dual challenge of meeting the world’s growing energy needs while addressing climate change. Progress in the transition to low-carbon energy has been notable, driven by government policies encouraging investment and shifts in demand.
Shell reiterated its stance that court rulings alone would not decrease customer demand for products such as petrol, diesel, or gas used for heating and powering homes and businesses. Instead, customers would likely seek alternatives elsewhere, limiting the impact on overall emissions. Shell maintains that effective, forward-thinking policies from governments, coupled with coordinated investment and action across all sectors, are essential for achieving meaningful progress towards net-zero emissions.
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