Survivors of Typhoon Odette in the Philippines have filed a lawsuit against oil giant Shell in a UK court, seeking reparations for damages caused by the 2021 storm. This marks the country's first climate-related legal action following an International Court of Justice ruling on reparations. The suit accuses Shell of contributing to climate change through its emissions.
In Manila, Philippines, 67 Filipinos from the Visayas have filed a civil lawsuit against British oil giant Shell in a UK court, seeking compensation for personal injuries and property damages under Philippine law. This is the country's first such climate-related case since the International Court of Justice ruled in July that vulnerable nations can demand reparations from major polluters.
Super Typhoon Odette struck in 2021, killing 405 people, injuring 1,400, and causing P47.8 billion in damages, displacing millions, especially in the Visayas. According to Greenpeace Philippines, the claimants hold Shell accountable for its 41 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions over two centuries—about 2% of global emissions per InfluenceMap—while profiting immensely, including $40 billion in 2021 and $16.5 billion in 2024.
"So bakit kami ang nagdurusa?" (So why are we the ones suffering?) asked claimant Trixy Elle, concerned for her children's future. Fellow claimant Annie Casquejo added, "Manalo man o matalo, at least mayroon kaming ginawa kahit maliit lang kami. Hindi lang basta pera ang pinag-uusapan dito, pati na rin hustisya." (Win or lose, at least we did something even if we're just small people. It's not only about money but also justice.)
Victims' legal representative Greg Lascelles stated the lawsuit exposes the "far-reaching and direct impacts" of oil companies on vulnerable communities. "The culpability of those who have contributed... is long overdue," said Ryan Roset of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center. Philippine Movement for Climate Justice Visayas coordinator Estela Vasquez called it a "fraction of what they owe" and a precedent-setting action. "Filipino Odette survivors are leaders in this fight for justice," noted Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Jefferson Chua.