Who Owns Shell?

Shell has set a target to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050. By the end of 2025, the company had achieved approximately 70% of its goal to halve Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions by 2030 compared to 2016 levels. Shell reduced the net carbon intensity of the energy products it sells by 9% compared to 2016, toward a target of 15-20% reduction by 2030. Emissions from the use of its oil products fell 18% compared to 2021.

In 2025, Shell achieved its target to eliminate routine flaring from upstream-operated assets. The company has invested in renewable power generation (6.1 GW capacity, with 4.2 GW in operation as of Q4 2025), electric vehicle charging, hydrogen production, and carbon capture and storage.

Shell positions LNG as its biggest contribution to the energy transition over the next decade, noting that gas produces approximately 50% less carbon emissions than coal when used for electricity generation. LNG sales increased 11% in 2025 with a record number of LNG cargoes.

However, Shell faces significant ethical challenges. The company's core business model continues to rely on fossil fuel extraction and sales. Under CEO Wael Sawan, Shell scaled back some renewables investments, which drew criticism from environmental groups. The Carbon Majors database attributes approximately 2% of historical global greenhouse gas emissions to Shell. The company has been criticized for continuing fossil fuel expansion while promoting climate transition initiatives.

• Offshore Technology Conference Awards: Shell has received recognition for offshore drilling innovation, particularly for deep-water projects in the Gulf of America
• Safety Performance Recognition: Shell's safety programs have been acknowledged by industry organizations, though four fatalities in 2025 underscored ongoing risks
• LNG Industry Leadership: Shell operates the world's largest LNG portfolio by capacity and has been recognized for LNG Canada project delivery in 2025
• Workplace Diversity Recognition: Shell has been ranked among major energy companies for workplace inclusion programs
• ESG Ratings: Shell scores lower in many ESG assessments compared to companies with more aggressive climate commitments, reflecting ongoing fossil fuel dependence

UK Climate Lawsuit (December 2025): Shell faced the first UK legal claim over climate impacts of fossil fuels, filed by 103 survivors of Typhoon Rai in the Philippines. The survivors allege Shell's contribution to climate change made the 2021 typhoon more likely and severe. The lawsuit claims Shell has known since 1965 that fossil fuels cause climate change but continued business-as-usual operations. Shell called the claim "baseless."

Dutch Court Case (2021-2024): In 2021, a Dutch court ordered Shell to cut absolute carbon emissions by 45% by 2030, including emissions from product use. In November 2024, an appeals court overturned the specific reduction target, finding no legal basis for the 45% figure. However, the court reaffirmed that Shell has a duty to mitigate dangerous climate change through its policies. The case set important precedents for corporate climate liability.

Niger Delta Operations: Shell's operations in Nigeria have faced decades of criticism for environmental damage, oil spills, and community impacts. Shell divested its onshore Nigerian business (SPDC) in 2025, but legacy environmental issues remain. The company has faced multiple lawsuits and activist campaigns regarding Niger Delta operations.

Climate Misinformation Allegations: Environmental groups have accused Shell of historically promoting uncertainty about climate science while internally acknowledging fossil fuel risks. Documents from the 1980s show Shell's own researchers warned about climate change, even as the company publicly questioned the science.

Energy Transition Criticism: Under CEO Wael Sawan, Shell scaled back some renewables investments and refocused on oil and gas. Climate activists and some institutional investors have criticized this approach as insufficient. Shell's 2026 Energy Security Scenarios, which suggested potential for higher energy consumption in 2050, drew further criticism.

Shareholder Activism: Shell has faced shareholder resolutions from climate-focused investors demanding more aggressive climate action. Follow This, a Dutch activist group, has filed resolutions at multiple AGMs. Shell's board has generally recommended shareholders vote against these resolutions.

Oil Spills and Environmental Incidents: Shell has faced regulatory action and fines for oil spills and environmental incidents across its global operations, including in Nigeria, the North Sea, and the Gulf of America. The company maintains environmental remediation programs but faces ongoing legal and reputational challenges.