Borrowing a tactic from the United States, New Zealand will adopt a law authored by industry to give legal immunity for tort claims against fossil fuel producers and big emitters.
Litigation and Law
A new UN climate resolution is a ‘credibility test’ of the global rule of law
In a world characterized by increasing violence, instability and disrespect for international law, the UN General Assembly’s ability to pass a resolution welcoming and affirming the ICJ advisory opinion on the climate obligations of states is a measure of whether the international legal system still functions as it should.
Australian Court Finds Context Is King in Clearing Oil Company Santos of Greenwashing
Last month Australian courts cleared oil company Santos of greenwashing over claims it produced “clean energy’. Subsequently, fossil fuel companies demanded a “crack down” on green groups.
The Supreme Court Will Weigh in On Big Oil’s Favorite Defense Against Climate Liability Lawsuits
The Supreme Court will hear a Colorado climate case next term. Its ruling could impact dozens of other climate liability lawsuits.
U.S. Invasion of Venezuela Violates International Climate Law Too
The Trump administration’s oil grab and plans to expand Venezuelan production flouts last year’s landmark climate ruling from the International Court of Justice.
Greenpeace Fights for Survival Against a Fossil Fuel Giant’s $345-Million “SLAPP” Suit
Energy Transfer’s lawsuit set up the First Amendment battle of the year and threatens to silence support for grassroots protest against the fossil fuel industry.
Inside a Pipeline Giant’s Bid to Block Greenpeace’s Historic Anti-Intimidation Lawsuit
A Fieldnotes investigation reveals Energy Transfer is using an astroturf group run by a powerful DC shadow lobbying firm in a bid to block a first-of-its-kind countersuit in the Netherlands.
“We Don’t Deserve This”: Survivors of Super Typhoon Odette File Claims Against Shell
Last week the survivors of Super Typhoon Odette that struck the Philippines in 2021 filed what may be the most ambitious climate lawsuit to date against global oil giant Shell.
Philippine Victims of Typhoon Odette File Landmark Legal Challenge Against Shell
The case is the first to directly link oil and gas climate impacts to deaths and personal injuries that have already occurred in the Global South.
Exxon and Shell Sue The Netherlands in Secret Tribunals for Closing Europe’s Biggest Gas Field
Following billions in profits and over a thousand gas extraction-related earthquakes, the oil and gas giants filed claims against the Dutch state in four separate investor-state disputes concerning compensation for home damages and the permanent closure of the Groningen gas field
