EU Farmer Takes TotalEnergies to Court Over Climate Damages

A Belgian farmer, Hugues Falys, has initiated a landmark climate lawsuit against the oil giant TotalEnergies, claiming that climate change has caused significant damage to his farm in Hainaut, Belgium. The case, which is being heard in the commercial court of Tournai, seeks financial compensation for the adverse effects on his agricultural yields, which he attributes to extreme weather events driven by climate change, including heavy rainfall, droughts, and heatwaves. Falys emphasizes the urgent need for accountability, stating, 'Like all farmers, I am on the front line of climate change. However, climate change is not inevitable. Those responsible must be held accountable.'

The lawsuit is bolstered by support from several NGOs, including FIAN, Greenpeace, and the League of Human Rights, as well as the International Federation for Human Rights, which is part of the See You In Court project. These organizations are advocating for TotalEnergies to halt all new investments in fossil fuel projects, arguing that such actions are necessary to protect the climate system.

TotalEnergies, a major player in the fossil fuel industry and responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, recently announced a $100 million climate investment at COP30. Despite this, the company has confirmed a four percent increase in hydrocarbon production, which directly contradicts the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that call for a reduction in such activities to limit global warming to one point five degrees Celsius.

Gaelle Dusepulchre of FIDH stated, 'The solution to the climate crisis requires multinational companies to immediately stop new investments in fossil fuels to curb greenhouse gas emissions.' The expectation is that the court will compel TotalEnergies to redirect its focus towards the green transition and uphold human rights amid climate impacts. While TotalEnergies was contacted for comments regarding their investment strategies and acknowledgment of responsibility for climate-related damages, they had not responded by the time of publication. A verdict in this unprecedented case is anticipated by early 2026, potentially setting a crucial precedent for corporate climate accountability in Europe and beyond. This case highlights the growing movement of local communities seeking justice against large corporations that contribute to climate change and its devastating impacts on livelihoods.