Shell Dodges Climate Accountability Again

Posted by John Donovan: 7 Dec 24

In the latest jaw-dropping display of corporate dominance, the fossil fuel behemoth managed to wiggle out of a Dutch court ruling that once dared—dared!—to ask the company to clean up a fraction of its catastrophic mess. The court’s demand? A 45% reduction in emissions by 2030. Shell’s response? “Nah, we’ll pass, thanks.” And now, thanks to a Hague appeals court overturning that pesky ruling, they can keep on keeping on. Cue the applause from major shareholders like BlackRock, because who needs a livable planet when profits are this juicy?

“Social Standard of Care”? Never Heard of Her.

The court’s reason for reversing the decision? It couldn’t prove that Shell had a “social standard of care” to slash its emissions. Let’s unpack that for a second. Destroying ecosystems, fueling climate catastrophes, and exacerbating global inequality doesn’t quite meet the thereshold of societal harm? What the actual hell do you need, an engraved invitation from Mother Earth herself? Oh wait, she’s busy drowning in rising sea levels.

Friends of the Earth Netherlands, backed by 17,000 citizens with an actual conscience, had initially convinced the court to hold Shell accountable in 2021. But now, those pesky climate do-gooders will have to take their fight to the Dutch Supreme Court—a process that could drag on for years. Meanwhile, Shell gets to throw up its hands and say, “It’s not our job to fix the planet we’ve been gleefully trashing for over a century.” Inspirational, really.

Donald Pols, director of Friends of the Earth Netherlands, tried to keep spirits up, saying, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Cute sentiment, Don, but it’s hard to focus on pacing when Shell’s emissions are setting the entire track on fire.

Big Oil: A Planetary Parasite

In case anyone forgot, oil, gas, and coal are responsible for more than 75% of the planet-warming pollution frying our Earth. Shell, of course, is a shining example of Big Oil’s commitment to destruction—right up there with ExxonMobil and BP. But hey, why stop at ruining the climate when you can also exacerbate mental health crises, destroy agriculture, and trigger billion-dollar disasters in the process?

Let’s not forget: 2023 alone saw $92.9 billion in climate-related damages across the U.S., courtesy of the very pollution Shell and its ilk churn out daily. But it’s not just the cash—oh no. It’s also lives lost, communities destroyed, and ecosystems obliterated. Meanwhile, Shell’s boardrooms echo with laughter as they cash their record-breaking profits. Nice work, guys.

Here’s the Gag: It’s Our Fault Too

Oh, and let’s not let ourselves off the hook here. BlackRock and other fat-cat investors keep Shell flush with cash while you, dear consumer, have the power to make better choices. Governments worldwide are trying to hold Big Oil accountable (keyword: trying). Vermont’s passed a law making oil giants pay for their damage, and U.S. Congress is cooking up a “polluter pays” bill. But none of it will matter if the rest of us don’t grow a backbone.

Want to fight back? Vote for pro-climate candidates. Divest your retirement accounts from Shell and its cronies. Donate to organizations taking on these corporate Goliaths. And for the love of all things green, don’t just sit there—act.

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