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Shell Brasil sued for R$ 541 million over 2024 floods
The Brazilian Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF), in collaboration with the NGO Instituto Preservar, has filed an unprecedented lawsuit against Shell Brasil. The legal action seeks approximately R$ 541 million (roughly $108 million) in compensation for damages caused by the catastrophic floods that struck the state of Rio Grande do Sul in April and May 2024.
The lawsuit argues that Shell should be held civilly liable for the environmental and climate-related damages due to its historical contribution to global warming. Prosecutors estimate that Shell's parent company is responsible for approximately 2% of historical global greenhouse gas emissions through its fossil fuel activities.
The 2024 flooding event was devastating, resulting in at least 183 deaths and displacing roughly 500,000 residents. The requested compensation is divided into R$ 270.5 million for environmental and collective moral damages, and R$ 270.5 million for material losses. Legal experts note that this marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a national public prosecutor has sued a major oil company specifically for a climate-driven disaster.
Entities
Bento Gonçalves · Carlos Barbosa · Gaeco · Instituto Preservar · Maria Antonia Tigre · Ministério Público Federal · Ministério Público do Rio Grande do Sul · Rio Grande do Sul · Shell Brasil
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 500,000 people were displaced by the floods. www.cartacapital.com.br · exame.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The lawsuit includes R$ 270.5 million for environmental and moral damages and R$ 270.5 million for material damages. www.cartacapital.com.br · exame.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The lawsuit seeks compensation for the 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul. www.cartacapital.com.br · exame.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The NGO Instituto Preservar is a co-author of the lawsuit. www.cartacapital.com.br · exame.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The claim is based on Shell's estimated 2% contribution to historical global greenhouse gas emissions. www.cartacapital.com.br · exame.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Brazilian Federal Public Prosecutor's Office filed a lawsuit against Shell Brasil. www.cartacapital.com.br · exame.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul resulted in 183 deaths. www.cartacapital.com.br · exame.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The total amount claimed is approximately R$ 541 million. www.cartacapital.com.br · exame.com