What is the significance of the French duty of vigilance law in the TotalEnergies case?

This is the first climate case where the French duty of vigilance law, which requires large companies to prevent human rights abuses and environmental harm, is being applied to corporate contributions to climate change.

What are the key arguments against TotalEnergies in the climate lawsuit?

Plaintiffs argue that TotalEnergies is legally required to identify risks associated with its contribution to global warming and to take concrete steps to reduce its emissions.

How is the East African Crude Oil Pipeline related to the climate case against TotalEnergies?

TotalEnergies is also facing legal challenges for its involvement in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, and campaigners see the current climate case as a crucial step in holding the company accountable for its expansion plans.

Home / Environment / France's Landmark Climate Case Targets Oil Giant

France's Landmark Climate Case Targets Oil Giant

20 Feb

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Summary

First climate case applying French vigilance law to corporate emissions.
Suit argues TotalEnergies must identify and reduce climate change risks.
Controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline linked to legal challenges.

France's Landmark Climate Case Targets Oil Giant

Hearings have commenced in France for a groundbreaking climate lawsuit targeting oil major TotalEnergies. This case is the first to apply the country's duty of vigilance law to climate change.

Plaintiffs contend that TotalEnergies has a legal obligation to identify and reduce the risks posed by its contribution to global warming. The company, which has more fossil fuel projects than any other oil major, disputes the law's applicability to climate change.

This legal action is drawing attention from African campaigners who are opposing TotalEnergies' controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The pipeline project faces accusations of displacing over 100,000 people and has previously led to legal challenges against the company regarding human rights.

Activists are closely watching the proceedings, emphasizing the case's importance in determining accountability for corporate expansion in oil and gas production. They are calling for an end to further expansion and corporate impunity.

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