A recent investigative report by the Dutch newspaper De Correspondent has unearthed a trove of internal documents from Royal Dutch Shell, revealing that the oil giant has long been aware of the catastrophic climate risks posed by its fossil fuel products. These documents show that as early as the 1980s, Shell recognized the environmental havoc its operations could cause, including rising sea levels, ecosystem destruction, saltwater intrusion, and even the forced migration of climate refugees.

Notably, Shell’s own assessments quantified its climate impact. For instance, in 1984, the company openly stated that its products contributed to approximately 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This admission aligns with wider research by organizations such as the Climate Accountability Institute, which tracks historic emissions from major polluters.

The revelations come alongside legal actions initiated by environmental groups targeting fossil fuel companies for neglecting climate science warnings. In a groundbreaking move, the Dutch branch of Friends of the Earth has filed a lawsuit against Shell demanding that the company complies with the climate targets outlined by the Paris Agreement, most critically limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This suit specifically challenges Shell’s continued investments in oil and gas, pressing the company to curb its carbon footprint.

Shell is not alone in facing judicial scrutiny. Similar leaked documents from ExxonMobil have fueled investigative reports and legal battles spearheaded by U.S. state attorneys general, including those from New York and Massachusetts. The Friends of the Earth case is the first major European legal challenge against a giant headquartered in the region, signaling a widening front in climate accountability litigation.

Carol Muffett, president and CEO of the Center for International and Environmental Law (CIEL), highlighted the significance of these documents, stressing that the existence of such internal research counters claims of ignorance by fossil fuel companies. "Shell was deeply immersed in climate science from as early as the 1950s and 1960s," Muffett explained. Their research was not only scientifically robust but also demonstrated clear understanding of potential risks, including sea-level rise and social disruptions due to climate change.

The oil industry’s longstanding expertise further underscores this reality. As Muffett noted, contrary to popular stereotypes, oil companies have employed large teams of top-tier scientists—geologists, physicists, economists—dedicated to research and development since the early 20th century. This high-level scientific engagement ensured that companies like Shell were fully aware of the environmental consequences their products could have.

As the breadth of internal documents becomes clearer, legal actions against fossil fuel corporations show no signs of slowing. Numerous cities and counties across the United States—including New York City and San Francisco—have filed or are considering lawsuits alleging that oil companies knowingly misled the public and failed to address their products’ risks. California’s attorney general and various other state legal offices continue active investigations, underscoring a growing global movement to hold major carbon emitters accountable.

The Center for International and Environmental Law has played a critical role in this arena, compiling evidence and conducting legal analyses to underpin these climate accountability efforts. They have also supported international investigations, such as those conducted by the Philippines Commission on Human Rights, which probe the direct human rights impacts of fossil fuel-driven climate change on vulnerable populations.

The Shell document revelations and ensuing lawsuits mark a pivotal point in the climate movement, evidencing how fossil fuel giants have long known the stakes yet prioritized profits over planetary safety. As legal scrutiny intensifies worldwide, these cases may establish crucial precedents compelling companies to align with global climate goals and eventually transform their business practices in the fight against climate change.