A French climate alliance comprised of non-governmental organisations and local authorities has launched legal action against French energy company Total to make the company reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

The alliance accuses Total of ignoring its legal obligation to take measures in order to prevent environmental violations, according to Associated Press. It wants Total to align its goals with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement to avoid climate change by limiting global warming to below 2°C.

Spokesperson for climate justice association Notre Affaire à Tous (NAAT – “An Issue For Us All”) Cecilia Rinaudo said: “This is the first time a French private company will be taken to court and have to answer questions about the politics of climate. It must be held accountable and be vigilant about the climate in its ambitions.”

She added that a legal document starting the litigation has been handed to a court.

Total said on its website that it has made environment and community engagement an integral part of their strategy, saying: “We have singled out five drivers to tackle climate issues: enhancing energy efficiency, growing in natural gas, stepping up our low-carbon electricity activities, promoting sustainable biofuels and investing in carbon storage.

“Energy efficiency is the key to the ongoing reduction of our direct greenhouse gas emissions, already 25% lower in our operated activities than they were in 2010. Less flaring and steps to optimise our facilities are what helped bring them down.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Total has not yet responded to the alliance’s accusations. Offshore Technology has reached out to the company for comment.