Brazil prosecutors sue Shell for $108 million over deadly 2024 floods
Brazilian prosecutors have filed a climate liability lawsuit against Shell tied to floods that killed nearly 200 people, part of a wider trend of litigation against oil companies.
What happened
Brazilian public prosecutors filed a lawsuit against Shell over deadly floods that hit the country's south in 2024.123
The lawsuit seeks damages reported as US$108 million, equivalent to nearly 100 million euros.123
The floods killed nearly 200 people, according to Le Monde.1
The prosecutors argue Shell's liability is proportional to its contribution to global warming.1
Key points
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed reported Shell's response to the lawsuit.
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed the specific legal basis or evidence prosecutors are using to link Shell's operations to the floods.
- None of the outlets reviewed specified which region or cities in southern Brazil were affected by the floods.
Why it matters
The case is described by The Straits Times as marking a new phase in global court battles against oil companies, suggesting it fits into a broader pattern of climate litigation targeting fossil fuel firms.3
What to watch
- Shell's legal or public response to the lawsuit.
- Further developments in the court case and any rulings on liability.
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Europe
- 1Le MondeFRPrivate
Brazilian public ministry sues Shell over climate liability in deadly 2024 floods
Translated from French: Le parquet brésilien poursuit Shell en justice, invoquant une responsabilité climatique dans les inondations meurtrières de 2024
Southeast Asia
- 2Malay MailMYPrivate
Brazil prosecutors sue Shell for US$108m over deadly 2024 floods
- 3The Straits TimesSGPrivate
Brazil prosecutors sue Shell for US$108 million over deadly 2024 floods