Energy industry rebounds against climate activism in 2024

Climate activists have played a significant role in changing energy policies in recent years. However, the situation is shifting. In 2024, a change began, and it’s continuing to grow. The energy industry, including major companies like Shell and Exxon, is starting to push back against activist actions. In 2021, a court in The Hague ordered Shell to cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 45% by 2030. This was a major victory for the activist group Milieudefensie. Shell appealed the ruling and won the appeal last year, claiming that cutting its emissions wouldn’t significantly affect global emissions because other companies would increase their output. This defeat has changed the narrative for activists, who previously believed they would consistently win in court. Simultaneously, activist investors pressured Exxon to commit to reducing emissions, but Exxon responded by filing a lawsuit against them, arguing that their proposals would harm the company’s finances. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed. Both Shell and TotalEnergies have taken legal action against Greenpeace for various disputes, showing a trend of rising legal confrontations between the energy sector and environmental groups. Recently, a North Dakota court ruled against Greenpeace, ordering them to pay over $660 million for their role in protests against the Dakota Access pipeline. This decision could be financially devastating for the U.S. branch of Greenpeace. The energy industry's more aggressive stance could be linked to changes in government leadership and growing frustration over continuous protests against oil and gas operations. A notable climate scientist was also found guilty of making misleading statements in a legal battle, indicating the shifting dynamics in these conflicts. As the energy industry gains ground, the tensions between climate activists and oil companies are becoming more pronounced.