Royal Dutch Shell has confirmed that it will appeal against a ruling issued by the District Court in The Hague, in May 2021, that Shell must reduce its global net carbon emissions 45% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.
Royal Dutch Shell has confirmed that it will appeal against a ruling issued by the District Court in The Hague, in May 2021, that Shell must reduce its global net carbon emissions 45% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.
Shell, which is aiming to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050, said that it had already set its own short- and medium-term targets for cutting carbon emissions.
‘We agree urgent action is needed and we will accelerate our transition to net zero,’ said Royal Dutch Shell chief executive, Ben van Beurden. ‘But we will appeal because a court judgment, against a single company, is not effective. What is needed is clear, ambitious policies that will drive fundamental change across the whole energy system. Climate change is a challenge that requires both urgent action and an approach that is global, collaborative and encourages coordination between all parties.’
Shell published details of its Powering Progress strategy in April 2021, which set out plans to reduce net carbon intensity 20% by 2030 and 45% by 2035 on the way to becoming net zero by 2050. The court did not consider this because the hearings that led to the ruling took place several months earlier.
In May 2021, Shell became the first energy company to put its energy transition strategy to a vote of shareholders at its annual general meeting. It secured 89% support. Shell said it will continue to give investors an annual vote on its progress in delivering on its strategy.
Shell has set out its intention to reduce both the emissions from its own operations, referred to as Scopes 1 and 2. It is also working with its customers on reducing Scope 3 emissions, produced when customers use the energy products it sells. Scope 3 emissions account for more than 90% of Shell’s emissions.
Shell has set out actions to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions through a combination of energy efficiency improvements, elimination of routine flaring and, carbon capture and storage.
