In The Hague, climate justice advocates on Tuesday opened their case against fossil fuel giant Shell. The case is led by Friends of the Earth and is backed by over 17,000 Dutch citizens and six other climate organizations. The plaintiffs argue Shell has broken Dutch law and is committing human rights violations by knowingly sabotaging the Netherlands’ phase-out of fossil fuels. The case also accuses Shell of being aware for decades of the damage it has inflicted on the planet. This is Roger Cox, an attorney representing the environmental groups.

Roger Cox: “Royal Dutch Shell’s corporate policy is at odds with this global climate objective, and thus contributes to the realization of great danger to humanity, human rights, future generations, the environment and nature. The plaintiffs conclude that Royal Dutch Shell’s corporate policy is on a collision course with the global climate target.”