life after loss - a note to those that care

A note. To those that care, those that should, and maybe also just for myself. This one is for everyone that might feel lost after the results from the Dutch appeal, in the ongoing fight between Dutch NGO Milieudefensie and Oil Giant Shell.

Yesterday marks what might seem to be yet another loss for humanity, and basically all lives on earth. On November 12th, 2024, the court decided to destroy the lawsuit and its outcomes from 2021. Which stated that the oil company, indeed is obliged to reduce their total emissions with 45%. In 2030, in comparison to 2019. A demand from Milieudefensie, in its ongoing fight with the oil giant. 

This demand would mean that Shell is held accountable in taking responsibility for their part of the climate crisis. Which is huge. Because, Shell, a company, that if it were to be a country, would rank the 5th largest polluter of the world. Only the US, Russia, India and China would have a larger amount of emissions. This would mean that their emissions would be equal to the entire Dutch population combined. Times 9! Making it a key player in the climate crisis we face today. And will face in the future.

Yesterday, the higher court has stated that Shell indeed is responsible for reducing its CO2 emissions, that new oil and gas fields are at odds with the Paris Agreement, and that protection against climate change is a human right. But it refuses to actually keep the company accountable. Making a 180 degrees turn from its statement in ’21. What caused this change? I don’t know. I do know that the urgency of the matter has only increased. Drastically.

the higher court has stated that Shell indeed is responsible for reducing its CO2 emissions, that new oil and gas fields are at odds with the Paris Agreement, and that protection against climate change is a human right.

Combine this with the election outcomes from last week in the US, the injustice we face at numerous global, social issues, and the climate disasters that are more and more present these days. It might be hard to find some hope. 

But even though we might not have won this case. There are multiple grounds on which we can keep on building. Like the things, and other subtle hints, the court shared earlier. The fact that more and more people are feeling this urgency. Especially after yesterday. And knowing that when one door closes, two others will open. 

Because it’s not about “the bad won” and “the good didn’t”. It’s not about framing left vs right. Right and wrong. It’s about solving the issues of today and tomorrow collectively. Just like during the civil rights movement, the fight for gender equality, the labor movement and even the several grassroots movements that turned Amsterdam into the bike friendly city it currently is. All very much key players that were responsible for the things in life we are grateful for today. So will this current movement be an incredible important part for the climate justice we’re fighting for.

To be honest. I don’t know how exactly we’ll get there. But I do know we will get there together, collectively. Because we all are, and will be affected by the outcomes.

So join the movement, in whatever shape or form you like. Join now. Especially now.