Climate litigation: Key risks and liabilities for mining companies19 July 2024
What does the Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland decision mean for mining companies?
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The ITLOS Advisory Opinion on Climate Change: Key Findings and Considerations for Deep Seabed Mining26 June 2024
In a landmark Advisory Opinion, ITLOS has confirmed that anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in the marine environment are a form of pollution for the purposes of UNCLOS. We consider the key findings of the Opinion and its relevance for the deep seabed mining sector.
Climate Litigation: Key risks and liabilities for oil and gas companies14 June 2024
The decision has set a precedent requiring Convention states to assess the effectiveness of their legislative regimes to protect individuals who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
European Court of Human Rights on the climate crisis and what this means for our key industry sectors13 June 2024
In this series of articles, we discuss the recent European Court of Human Rights case, Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland and other climate litigation across WFW’s key sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport.
A new wave of climate change litigation? Considering the wider implications of Smith v Fonterra22 February 2024
The New Zealand Supreme Court allows a claim to be heard on a novel tort imposing a duty on companies not to cause harm to the environment.
Climate Change and Directors’ Duties – Key Messages for Directors7 August 2023
In July 2023, the English courts handed down two decisions… Read more
Climate Change and Directors’ Duties – ClientEarth v Shell decision provides comfort for directors17 May 2023
In this article, we discuss the recent decision in ClientEarth’s action against Shell’s directors for alleged failure to comply with their duties to the company in relation to climate risk.
ISDS and Climate Change: What Happens Next?22 December 2022
This article discusses the recent companion Issue Notes released by the UNCTAD on ISDS system, its impact on climate change, investment treaties and climate legislation, and offer some key takeaways for investors and states to be aware of.
The legal challenges companies face in making net zero claims8 December 2022
In this article, Sarah Ellington and Philippa Beasley look at the main legal challenges being faced by companies making net zero commitments. It follows on from our earlier article that examined some of the main criticisms of net zero claims made in recent reports by advocacy organisations.
Net zero commitments: the need for careful planning, implementation and monitoring1 December 2022
In this article, Sarah Ellington and Philippa Beasley examine some of the main criticisms of net zero claims made in recent reports by advocacy organisations.
Landmark UNHRC decision finds Australia’s climate change mitigation policy violates human rights27 October 2022
A recent landmark UNHRC decision in favour of eight Torres Strait islanders found that Australia had breached their human rights by failing to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
Where are we with Net Zero? A look into decarbonising the construction sector15 September 2022
A review of the recent judgment of R v Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the impact on the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy and where that leaves the construction industry.