Shell has a big impact on our lives: our economy runs on the oil and gas that Shell pumps up. But in addition to earthquakes in Groningen in the Netherlands and oil pollution in Nigeria, global warming is a serious consequence. In order to prevent dangerous climate change and disruption, we need to stop using fossil fuels as soon as possible. Shell plays a big part in this transition. The company acknowledges the need to protect the climate, but what is the real story on Shell and climate change?

Shell knows

By 1968, Shell already knew that fossil fuels had major consequences for the environment. In that year, Shell researchers warned in an internal report of ‘speedy and drastic changes’ to the climate, with ‘potentially major social, economic and political consequences’. The researchers considered it possible that ‘the environment could be so impacted that some parts of the world would become uninhabitable’.

Shell acknowledges

Shell talks forcefully about the necessity of an energy transition. But does it turn those words into action? Shell says that managing the CO2 emissions of coal, oil and natural gas is crucial to addressing climate change and that a sweeping energy transition is inevitable. The company acknowledges that a large portion of proven oil and gas reserves must remain in the ground if the earth’s temperature is to remain under the 2 degree Celsius limit, and it calls for cooperation to achieve the ambitions of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Shell does

On the surface, most people increasingly see the responsible face of a company that is conscious of its important role in society and that says that it takes its responsibility seriously. But in reality, Shell is investing – as we speak – billions of euros in shale gas, natural gas and deep sea drilling – its investments in renewable energy are miniscule in comparison. Shell thus actually has two faces.