Dutch environmental group threatens to file lawsuits against 28 major polluters

Milieudefensie is once again sending a letter to companies that emit large amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. Following the ruling by the International Court of Justice at the end of July, the organization warns that these companies are taking a significant risk if they do not reduce their emissions quickly. On Tuesday, the Milieudefensie called upon 28 companies to submit their climate plans by the end of September at the latest.

The International Court of Justice in The Hague emphasized that climate change has a significant effect on human rights, like the right to clean water, food, and good healthcare. Countries that are affected by the consequences resulting from climate change, like droughts and floods, are able to demand damage compensation. Milieudefensie believes that major polluters can therefore also be held accountable for the climate damage they cause.

“The social duty of care and sound risk management compels companies to adopt better climate policies,” said lawyer Roger Cox. Milieudefensie director Donald Pols agreed. “These companies are putting both a livable planet and their own future at risk. Companies going under is good for no one. We need them, in fact, to stop dangerous climate change.”

Companies to receive a letter included ABN Amro, Ahold Delhaize, ExxonMobil, FrieslandCampina, KLM, Schiphol, Tata Steel, Unilever, and Vattenfall. Milieudefensie sent a similar type of letter to 30 companies in 2022.

The organization evaluated the climate plans using the independent research institute NewClimate Institute. “Companies score well if their climate plans show that they will reduce their CO2 emissions by at least 48 percent by 2030 compared to 2019 and reach net zero by 2050,” the organization stated. No company met these criteria.

Shell and ING did not make the list on this occasion. This is because Mileudefensie is already involved in ongoing lawsuits against the two companies. Other companies are also not the same as they were last time. “In some cases, companies have been taken over and no longer have a base in the Netherlands,” a spokesperson explained. “Or we have selected a larger player from the sector, for example, a company that produces more emissions.”

The same research institute will calculate the impact of the companies’ climate plans this year. Milieudefensie expects the results at the beginning of 2026.