Hollywood celebrities and environmental activists have joined forces to condemn oil giant Shell’s $2.1 million lawsuit against Greenpeace, accusing the firm of trying to stifle dissent. In an open letter to Shell’s CEO, the signatories, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Thompson, and Greta Thunberg, described the lawsuit as “outrageous and dangerous,” claiming it is one of the biggest attacks on the organization’s right to protest in its history.
The lawsuit stems from a protest last November in which Greenpeace activists boarded one of Shell’s oil rigs. Shell has argued that the legal action is necessary to cover the costs of court injunctions to prevent further protests that could endanger lives. However, Greenpeace alleges that Shell offered to reduce its claim to $1.4 million in exchange for the charity ceasing protests at oil and gas facilities. Greenpeace countered with a promise to end protests if Shell adhered to a Dutch court order to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030, a ruling the firm has appealed.
The open letter also highlights the personal story of one of the defendants, Yeb Saño, who became a Greenpeace activist after his hometown was destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. It references scientific evidence linking climate change driven by fossil fuels to the increasing frequency and intensity of storms. The signatories express concern over Shell’s decision to backtrack on emissions reduction targets and focus on increasing oil and gas production, warning that this move will lead to higher energy costs for households and further endanger the planet’s future.
Shell’s shift in strategy is part of a broader trend within the oil industry to prioritize profits over environmental concerns. This shift was underscored by Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser, who recently urged oil majors to reject the idea of phasing out fossil fuels. The letter accuses Shell of prioritizing short-term profits at the expense of the planet and vulnerable communities who are disproportionately affected by climate change. The signatories argue that such actions will only increase public support for organizations like Greenpeace that hold corporations accountable for their role in the climate crisis.
The open letter calls on Shell to drop its lawsuit, respect the Dutch court’s emission reduction order, and prioritize a shift away from fossil fuels to protect the planet and those most at risk. The signatories warn that continuing to pursue legal action against Greenpeace will only harm Shell’s reputation and further galvanize support for environmental activism. The celebrities and activists involved in the letter urge Shell to reconsider its approach and align its actions with the urgent need to address the climate crisis before it’s too late.
