NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Filipino Typhoon Survivors Move To Sue Shell In London Over Climate Damages
Photo credit: Greenpeace Philippines
A group of Filipino survivors of Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) is taking steps to hold oil giant Shell accountable for the deadly storm’s devastation — marking what could become a landmark climate accountability case filed in London, home to Shell’s global headquarters.
The group, represented by international law firm Hausfeld, has sent a “letter before action” to Shell, a formal notice required before filing a civil case in the United Kingdom. If the company fails to respond or offer redress, the survivors plan to file the lawsuit in the coming months.
The legal action seeks compensation and accountability for the destruction caused by Typhoon Odette, which struck the Philippines in December 2021, killing over 400 people and leaving widespread damage to homes and livelihoods.
According to scientists, the storm’s intensity was worsened by global warming, which is driven largely by fossil fuel emissions. The survivors accuse Shell of decades of carbon pollution, misinformation, and public deception about climate change — despite internal knowledge of the risks dating back decades.
“This is about justice,” one survivor said in a statement shared by their lawyers. “We are not just victims of a typhoon — we are victims of a climate crisis created by powerful corporations.”
Environmental advocates describe the move as a historic first: people from one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations directly challenging a major fossil fuel company in its home country.
As of this writing, Shell has not publicly responded to the letter or the allegations.
The group, represented by international law firm Hausfeld, has sent a “letter before action” to Shell, a formal notice required before filing a civil case in the United Kingdom. If the company fails to respond or offer redress, the survivors plan to file the lawsuit in the coming months.
The legal action seeks compensation and accountability for the destruction caused by Typhoon Odette, which struck the Philippines in December 2021, killing over 400 people and leaving widespread damage to homes and livelihoods.
According to scientists, the storm’s intensity was worsened by global warming, which is driven largely by fossil fuel emissions. The survivors accuse Shell of decades of carbon pollution, misinformation, and public deception about climate change — despite internal knowledge of the risks dating back decades.
“This is about justice,” one survivor said in a statement shared by their lawyers. “We are not just victims of a typhoon — we are victims of a climate crisis created by powerful corporations.”
Environmental advocates describe the move as a historic first: people from one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations directly challenging a major fossil fuel company in its home country.
As of this writing, Shell has not publicly responded to the letter or the allegations.
Oct 24, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
