Shell faces R$ 541 million lawsuit over Rio Grande do Sul climate damages

climate litigation Shell Rio Grande do Sul floods environmental damages greenhouse gas emissions

The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) and the Instituto Preservar have filed a civil public action against Shell Brasil, seeking R$ 541 million in compensation for damages related to the historic floods in Rio Grande do Sul in May 2024.

The lawsuit argues that Shell should be held partially responsible for the intensification of extreme weather events due to its historical and continuous contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. According to Carbon Majors, the Shell Group is responsible for approximately 2% of historical CO2 emissions.

The total claim is divided into R$ 270.5 million for collective environmental and climate moral damages and R$ 270.5 million for material damages. The plaintiffs propose that any awarded funds be managed through a specific financial instrument dedicated to climate adaptation, disaster prevention, and reconstruction efforts in the affected region of Rio Grande do Sul.

Entities

Instituto Preservar · Ministério Público Federal · Rio Grande do Sul · Shell · Shell Brasil Petróleo · São Luís · Vila Maranhão

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The plaintiffs propose that any awarded funds be directed to a specific financial instrument for climate adaptation, disaster prevention, and reconstruction in Rio Grande do Sul. climainfo.org.br · www.brasil247.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The requested amount includes R$ 270.5 million for collective environmental and climate moral damages and R$ 270.5 million for material damages. climainfo.org.br · www.bandab.com.br · www.brasil247.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The lawsuit seeks a total of R$ 541 million in compensation. climainfo.org.br · www.bandab.com.br · www.brasil247.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The MPF and Instituto Preservar filed a civil public action against Shell seeking compensation for damages caused by the May 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul. climainfo.org.br · www.bandab.com.br · www.brasil247.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] According to Carbon Majors, the Shell Group is responsible for just over 2% of historical CO2 emissions. climainfo.org.br