May 26, 2021
Shell ordered to slash emissions 45% by 2030 in historic court ruling
This is the first time a company has been held legally liable for its contribution to climate change – setting a precedent for future lawsuits against the fossil fuel industry
Get unlimited access
By signing up for our Premium package, you can get unlimited access to everything on our site.
Or Register for Essential for free and get a selection of our top stories each week.
Sign up here today to start reading.
Or login below to unlock access if you already have an account.
Stories from the same category
- Sep 23, 2025
Vanuatu pursues new UN resolution to turn ICJ climate opinion into action
The Pacific island nation, which led a campaign for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to clarify states’ climate duties, said the legal opinion must not be “left on paper” - Sep 16, 2025
“Public health emergency”: Report shows fossil fuel impacts on every stage of life
The Global Climate and Health Alliance documents how fossil fuel extraction and use harms people throughout their lives, with the worst effects on marginalised groups - Sep 9, 2025
After record-hot summer, London plans to trial air con on ‘deep Tube’ trains
As climate change brings longer, hotter summers, Transport for London and Network Rail are racing to modernise the city’s 19th-century transport system - Sep 3, 2025
Without robust action, new EU carbon pricing plan could leave vulnerable people behind
The expansion of Europe’s emissions trading system to buildings and road transport needs comprehensive social measures to cushion the poorest groups from cost increases - Sep 2, 2025
UN experts accuse top oil firms of rights violations over Nigerian asset sales
Divestments were made without paying hefty clean-up bills or compensating communities in the pollution-scarred Niger Delta, UN working group says - Sep 1, 2025
Can the ICJ opinion bring climate justice for Indigenous peoples?
The landmark ruling by the world’s top court says national climate policies must protect Indigenous and minority rights – but to be effective, it needs to be enforced by states
Other stories
Sep 26, 2025
In new forest finance plan, 34 nations endorse Brazil’s rainforest fund
The Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership of forest-rich and donor countries backs Brazil’s Tropical Forest Forever Facility, set to be launched at COP30
Sep 25, 2025
As China and EU disappoint, prospects of meeting 1.5C climate target fade
After Donald Trump’s tirade against global climate action earlier this week, many campaigners were hoping for a more robust response from the European Union and China
Sep 25, 2025
Why COP30 needs a cover decision to succeed
Amid entrenched divisions in formal negotiations, a cover decision is the most credible way to confront the ambition gap head-on
Sep 25, 2025
Nigeria gives fossil gas a bigger role as “transition fuel” in climate plan
Officials say the country needs time and money to ramp up renewables, but critics say betting on gas is a risky strategy that could prolong the “oil curse”
Sep 25, 2025
Lula says he is “optimistic” about US support for new rainforest fund
The Brazilian president says that for COP30 to be successful, it needs the commitment of all world leaders
Sep 25, 2025
Planet’s health in rising danger, as ocean acidification crosses safety limit
A new annual scientific report on the state of the Earth shows oceans are being harmed by fossil fuel burning and other environmental stresses
Sep 24, 2025
China unveils underwhelming emissions-cutting target for 2035
Experts say China’s new 2035 goal to cut emissions by 7-10% from “peak levels” does not fully reflect its expansion of clean energy on the ground
Sep 24, 2025
At climate summit, UN chief urges countries to go “much further, much faster” on NDCs
With about 120 leaders and ministers speaking in New York, the pressure is on for stronger climate action plans to rein in global warming, with the world off track to meet Paris Agreement goals
Sep 24, 2025
Fact-checked: Trump’s UN tirade against renewables, climate deals and environmentalists
The US president’s outspoken speech was littered with a string of misleading or false statements – many about efforts to fight climate change
Sep 24, 2025
Brazil pledges $1bn in first contribution to COP30 rainforest fund
Brazil, which will launch the new investment-driven fund for forest protection at the Belém climate summit, calls on other governments to put in seed capital
