This should be headline news! For the sake of leaving behind a planet fit for human life, we need more such victories.
Well done to all who opposed Shell’s intended actions!!
“Shell could not be reached for immediate comment.” In my opinion, any potential comment can remain buried along with whatever fossil fuel there was to be found.
As much fossil fuel as possible should stay exactly where it is - buried. Ricky Stone’s ending quotes from this victory against the fossil fuel industry say it all.
“This is a monumental victory for the rule of law, and indeed, for the principle that people and nature must always come before profit.”
If anyone has any doubts as to how well the fossil fuel industry is held to legislated standards of emissions and accountability for environmental degradation, you need look no further than Sasol’s operations.
Sasol launched aggressive legal action in the High Court to challenge the Highveld Priority Area Air Quality Management Plan. They are actively trying to get a declaratory order stating that the state’s 40% emission reduction targets for 2030 are non-binding or should be set aside entirely.
I also sincerely hope the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) returns to court regarding Sasol unlawfully discharging heavy chemical waste (including vanadium and potassium carbonate) into the Vaal River catchment area.
All the while, Sasol continues to publicly argue that their litigation against emissions compliance does not undermine its sustainability roadmap.
I do not think the Shell ruling with change Sasol’s approach to lawfare one iota.