TotalEnergies stands trial in Paris for allegedly failing to comply with France’s 2017 duty of vigilance law, which requires large companies to identify and prevent human rights and environmental risks across their value chains and subsidiaries.

The case, brought by several NGOs and the City of Paris, argues the company should widen its vigilance to cover environmental risks and indirect emissions from customers burning its products, totaling about 342 million tonnes of CO2 annually.

The proceedings are framed as emblematic in France, with the extraordinary audience potentially setting a precedent on corporate climate liability and the scope of vigilance obligations.

Observers say the verdict could have broad implications beyond this case, potentially influencing corporate governance and due diligence practices across industries.

A ruling could have wide-reaching effects, potentially influencing other sectors and prompting broader accountability for climate-related risks due to potential systemic impacts.

TotalEnergies argues that cutting its operations would not stop global warming and that the case demonizes the company, noting its share of global production is under 2%.

The company contends the action targets the whole energy system rather than a single firm and rejects being scapegoated for climate change.

The EU has postponed its own reform of corporate duty of vigilance to 2029, reflecting broader tensions in climate policy and business regulation.

Context includes debates over scope, including whether Scope 3 emissions and consumer-use emissions fall under corporate responsibility.

The case will hinge on arguments presented to the Paris 34th chamber, with sessions focusing on climate experts, NGO testimony, and TotalEnergies’ position.

TotalEnergies’ 2024-2025 vigilance plan covers scopes 1 and 2 but excludes Scope 3 emissions from product use by third parties, a point pressed by plaintiffs.

Possible outcomes range from halting new hydrocarbon projects to accelerated reductions in oil and gas production by 2030, though the company says the action targets the entire energy system, not just one company.