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EnvironmentParis court orders TotalEnergies to account for Scope 3 emissions from sold fuels
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A Paris court has ordered TotalEnergies to include 'Scope 3' emissions—those from the end use of its sold fuels—in its climate due diligence planning. This landmark ruling holds the oil major legally responsible for the full lifecycle climate impact of its products, extending its accountability beyond direct operational emissions. The decision is based on France's duty of vigilance law, which requires large companies to identify and prevent human rights and environmental risks in their activities. Environmental groups that brought the case celebrated the verdict as a precedent for corporate climate liability. TotalEnergies may appeal.
Source report
A landmark ruling has held French energy giant TotalEnergies legally responsible for the climate impact of the fuels it sells, marking a significant development in climate litigation.
The decision underscores growing legal accountability for fossil fuel companies regarding their contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The court's judgment focused on the full lifecycle emissions of TotalEnergies' products, including those generated by end-use combustion by its customers.
This case is expected to have far-reaching implications for the energy sector, potentially setting a precedent for similar lawsuits against other major fossil fuel producers.
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Source
EuractivWestern
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Paris Court Orders TotalEnergies to Account for Client Emissions in Landmark Climate Ruling