Friends of the Earth has won its climate case against Shell, potentially setting a precedent for other high emitters.

The Dutch court held Shell liable for causing climate change, the first time such a legal judgement has been made and, as a result of legal action brought by Friends of the Earth Netherlands (Milieudefensie) together with 17,000 co-plaintiffs and six other organisations, the court in the Hague ruled that Shell must reduce its CO2 emissions by 45 per cent within a decade.

Donald Pols, director of Friends of the Earth Netherlands said: "This is a monumental victory for our planet, for our children and a big leap towards a liveable future for everyone. The judge has left no room for doubt: Shell is causing dangerous climate change and must stop its destructive behaviour now."

The ruling from the court will have major ramifications internationally and could now trigger a wave of climate litigation against big polluters.

Donald Pols concluded: "This verdict is an enormous step forward for the international climate movement. One of the world’s biggest polluters has finally been held responsible. I am filled with hope for the future, as we know that the climate crisis does not wait and does not stop at our borders. That is why it is so important that the judge is now forcing Shell to take responsibility for its actions. This is also a clear signal to the other big polluters must stop wrecking the climate."

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