TotalEnergies Faces Landmark Climate Lawsuit in Paris
A French court is currently hearing a significant lawsuit against oil and gas giant TotalEnergies, brought by a coalition of 14 French cities, including Paris, and five civil society organizations. The case centers on allegations that TotalEnergies is failing to adequately align its operations with the goals of the Paris Agreement, specifically the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F).
The Core of the Lawsuit
Plaintiffs argue that TotalEnergies must take concrete action to transition away from fossil fuel projects and investments. The lawsuit specifically targets the company’s involvement in 30 “carbon bomb” projects – large-scale fossil fuel developments that pose a substantial threat to achieving the 1.5°C target. One example cited is a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Papua New Guinea, which experts estimate could release over 220 million metric tons of CO2 over its lifespan.
Justine Ripoll, campaign manager at Notre Affaire à Tous, one of the organizations involved in the lawsuit, emphasized the incompatibility of TotalEnergies’ continued fossil fuel expansion with global climate goals. “Total continues to develop new oil and gas projects all over the world. This is clearly incompatible with the Paris Agreement and with the findings of the IPCC reports, as well as those of the International Energy Agency, which call for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,” she stated according to Mongabay.
Focus on Future Projects
The lawsuit is strategically focused on halting new fossil fuel projects that have not yet reached the final investment decision stage. Projects already well underway in Tanzania, Uganda, and Mozambique are not currently included in the legal challenge, as they are considered too advanced to halt. Ripoll clarified that the plaintiffs are seeking a court order requiring TotalEnergies to cease development of projects where the company is still exploring for oil and gas or has not yet committed to investment contracts.
TotalEnergies’ Response and Legal Basis
TotalEnergies has responded to the lawsuit, stating that reducing oil and gas production without continued investment is unrealistic, given current global energy demand. A representative for the company noted that oil and gas production naturally declines by 6-7% annually without new investment, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in September 2025.
The legal basis for the lawsuit rests on France’s 2017 corporate duty of vigilance law. This legislation mandates that large French companies address potential adverse impacts of their activities on the environment and human rights, extending this responsibility to their subsidiaries, subcontractors, and suppliers. TotalEnergies is identified as one of the 20 largest historical emitters of greenhouse gases.
Prosecutor’s Intervention and Previous Ruling
In an unusual move, French prosecutors intervened in February 2026 to support TotalEnergies in the climate trial, citing issues of general interest. This intervention is rare in civil proceedings.
However, in October 2025, a Paris Judicial Court found TotalEnergies guilty of misleading commercial practices, fining the company for greenwashing. The court ordered the removal of certain paragraphs from the company’s French affiliate website concerning its carbon neutrality ambitions. The court rejected claims related to the company’s name change in 2021 and its communication on the role of natural gas and biofuels.
Looking Ahead
The current court is expected to deliver its decision on June 25th. Ripoll expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the political challenges but hoping the evidence will persuade the judges. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their contributions to climate change and could influence future climate litigation globally.