A case against French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies opened in Paris on Thursday over allegations it has failed to meet legal obligations to limit environmental harm.
The case, brought by a coalition of NGOs alongside the City of Paris, centres on France’s 2017 “duty of vigilance” law.
This legislation requires large companies to identify and prevent risks to human rights, health, safety and the environment across their operations, including those of subsidiaries and suppliers abroad.
The proceedings – the first of their kind in France against a major fossil fuel company – could mark a turning point in corporations being held accountable for their role in global warming.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, fossil fuels are responsible for nearly 80 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions driving the climate crisis.
NGOs seek climate trial of French oil giant TotalEnergies
'A historic responsibility'
At the heart of the dispute is the legal question over whether this duty of vigilance extends to global phenomena such as climate change, or is limited to more localised environmental risks.
The NGOs argue that TotalEnergies has not done enough to align its business model with efforts to limit global warming to 1.5C.
They point in particular to continued investment in new fossil fuel projects, including in countries such as Uganda and Mozambique, and to what they describe as insufficient development of renewable energy.
“TotalEnergies has a historic responsibility when it comes to climate change: it is one of the companies investing the most in the exploration and development of new fossil fuel projects that generate high greenhouse gas emissions and have a strong impact on biodiversity and local communities,” Théa Bounfour of the NGO Sherpa told RFI.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to order a halt to new oil and gas projects and sharp cuts in production, with reductions of 37 percent for oil and 25 percent for gas by 2030. These targets, they say, reflect the trajectory needed to meet international climate goals.
TotalEnergies rejects the claims. The company argues that it cannot be held solely responsible for a global crisis shaped by complex energy systems and consumer demand.
While acknowledging that it produces hydrocarbons, it maintains that responsibility for emissions linked to their use lies largely with end users.
The Paris public prosecutor’s office has weighed in on the case – an unusual move in a civil proceeding. It supports a narrower interpretation of the law, suggesting that imposing overly broad environmental obligations on companies would be impractical and that climate change may fall outside the law’s scope.
That stance has drawn criticism from NGOs. “This is perhaps about protecting certain interests – it is a position that could be political. We know this is an extremely important case,” François de Cambiaire, a lawyer representing the coalition, told RFI.
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'David versus Goliath'
The two days of hearings this Thursday and Friday could have far-reaching implications. A ruling in favour of the plaintiffs might force TotalEnergies to adjust its strategy and set a precedent for companies across sectors, from transport to manufacturing.
Environmental groups see the case as part of a broader shift towards corporate accountability. They note that many firms have begun integrating climate risks into their vigilance plans, something they argue TotalEnergies has yet to fully embrace, particularly regarding so-called “scope 3” emissions generated by consumers.
Years in the making, the case has already seen several procedural wins for the plaintiffs, including a 2024 appeals court decision declaring it admissible.
While some international claimants were dismissed, the City of Paris remains a key party. One Paris official likened the case to a “David versus Goliath” battle.
The trial comes against a shifting political backdrop, with the European Union recently delaying its corporate due diligence legislation until 2029.
Campaigners are nevertheless hoping for a strong ruling. “We expect a decision from the court that matches TotalEnergies’ major responsibility,” said de Cambiaire, arguing the company has yet to take the steps needed to help limit global warming to 1.5C.
A decision is expected in the coming months – one that could shape the future of climate litigation in France and beyond.
(with newswires)
