Typhoon Odette Survivors Take on Shell: Lawsuit Targets Climate Damage Caused by Oil Giant

Filipino residents from the Visayas islands are taking a bold step and suing Shell, the British oil and gas giant, over climate-related damages from Typhoon Odette in 2021. This lawsuit, announced on October 23, marks a significant moment as it’s the first of its kind linking the actions of a major energy company to harm suffered by communities in the Global South.

One claimant, Trixy Elle, shared her motivation for stepping into the courtroom. “Shell is such a big company, but I think about my children’s future. That gives me courage,” she said. Trixy is part of a group of 67 individuals seeking compensation for loss of life, injuries, and property damage caused by the typhoon, which resulted in thousands of displaced families.

Advocacy groups like Greenpeace Philippines and Uplift UK are supporting this “Odette Case Campaign.” They argue that Shell’s operations have contributed to severe climate events, worsening the impact of storms. According to a 2025 study by the European Geosciences Union, climate change intensified the rainfall and winds during Odette, leading to significant devastation.

The typhoon left at least 400 people dead and affected over six million individuals. Betty, another claimant, expressed her pain, saying, “When the typhoon came, a building collapsed and buried my sister alive. Who made the storms this strong?” Her call for accountability speaks to a larger demand from vulnerable communities worldwide for justice from fossil fuel companies.

Fossil fuel companies are under increasing scrutiny for their role in climate change. A recent analysis found that just 36 companies, Shell included, are responsible for half of global carbon emissions. In 2023, Shell alone contributed 2% of these emissions. Interestingly, research shows that the top 20% of emitters globally produce 80% of emissions.

Shell has faced criticism for allegedly misleading the public about climate change impacts. In response, the company stated it has always engaged with the issue and that climate concerns have been part of public discourse for decades. However, many remain skeptical, believing corporations should face greater accountability.

This lawsuit coincides with a recent International Court of Justice advisory opinion highlighting the need for nations and corporations to support vulnerable communities affected by climate change. With over 3,000 climate-related cases filed globally, the tide seems to be turning towards holding polluters accountable for their actions.

As this case unfolds, it may set a precedent for future climate-related litigation, pushing for more significant corporate responsibility and support for those most affected by climate change. It’s a pivotal moment for both the claimants and the broader fight against climate injustice.



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