Shell Case to Fuel More Climate Suits Targeting Companies

A Dutch court ruling that directs Royal Dutch Shell Plc to more than double its greenhouse gas emissions cuts will likely spur environmental advocates to push more big-emitting companies for deep reductions.

The ruling directing Shell to cut emissions 45% by 2030 from 2019 levels—up from a pledge of a 20% by 2030—"means we may see similar lawsuits in other countries against other global corporations,” said Michael Gerrard, director of Columbia Law School’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law.

The suits could force oil and other big-emitting corporations to cut emissions on a global scale, he said.

The ruling, if ...