French energy major TotalEnergies has announced plans to appeal a Paris court ruling that ordered the company to align its business operations with global climate goals.
The decision represents a first-of-its-kind judgment in France, finding TotalEnergies responsible for the planet-warming emissions generated when customers use its fuel products under the nation’s corporate duty of vigilance law. While climate campaigners hailed the verdict as a significant victory, climate litigation against global oil companies continues to yield mixed outcomes internationally, as seen in the Netherlands where a landmark ruling against Shell was subsequently overturned on appeal.
TotalEnergies rejected the court’s interpretation, stating that climate change, as a global phenomenon, falls outside the intended scope of the duty of vigilance legislation. The company noted that its position aligns with arguments previously put forward by the Public Prosecutor’s Office during the proceedings.
The energy firm further argued that requiring companies across the energy, defense, aeronautics, or automotive sectors to control risks arising from customer product use is inconsistent with the law’s objectives, while undermining principles of legal certainty and commercial freedom.
TotalEnergies will present its case before the Paris Court of Appeal once the formal filing process is complete.
