Greenpeace and ReCommon announced on Tuesday that they have filed a lawsuit against Eni [ENI:IM], an Italian energy company, for its contribution to climate change through its fossil fuel operations, as reported by Reuters on May 9. Greenpeace has notified Eni, the Italian Economy Ministry, and the Italian state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) of the lawsuit. The lawsuit is the first of its kind in Italy and seeks damages for the effects of climate change, which the plaintiffs assert are the responsibility of Italy’s largest energy companies. Greenpeace hopes that the lawsuit will prompt Eni to reconsider its business strategy and encourage the Italian government and CDP to play a more significant role in ensuring Eni’s compliance with the Paris Agreement and respect for human rights. Eni’s spokesperson stated that the company will demonstrate in court the unfoundedness of the lawsuit and the validity of its own strategy for transformation and decarbonization.

This lawsuit is part of a growing trend of legal action against fossil fuel companies for their role in contributing to climate change. While Eni has pledged to become a net-zero company by 2050, Greenpeace and ReCommon argue that the company’s current operations are not consistent with this goal.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/environmental-groups-take-italys-eni-court-over-climate-change-2023-05-09/

https://www.eni.com/en-IT/net-zero.html