Four environmental organizations have recently initiated legal proceedings against TotalEnergies, citing the company’s oil pipeline development in Uganda and other fossil fuel projects as significant contributors to climate change. These groups are charging that TotalEnergies has approved more fossil fuel projects than any other major oil company in the period between 2022 and 2025. One of the most notable projects is the $3.5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
TotalEnergies is under fire for a slew of accusations including climaticide action, failing to fight a disaster, involuntary homicide, unintentional injury to persons, and destruction or damage of property. Human Rights Watch has also weighed in on the matter, claiming that the EACOP project, where TotalEnergies holds a 62% stake, has had severe repercussions on the lives of thousands of individuals. The crux of this argument is that the project has resulted in inadequate land compensation.
In response to these allegations, TotalEnergies has defended its practices, refuting the accusations and stating that it operates in accordance with its established operating standards and laws. The company maintains that it respects the rights of all those impacted by its activities.
However, the wave of complaints against TotalEnergies doesn’t end here. Additional organizations, including Darwin Climax Coalitions, Sea Shepherd France, Wild Legal, and Stop EACOP-Stop Total, have also lodged criminal complaints against the company. They accuse TotalEnergies of negligence and of creating danger by destroying property.
This isn’t the first time that TotalEnergies has faced legal action for its environmental practices. In 2020, three environmental associations filed a criminal complaint against the company, alleging deceptive policies to combat climate change.
Despite the string of accusations and legal actions, TotalEnergies has continued to forge ahead with its fossil fuel projects. In 2021, the company announced a $10 billion agreement as part of the EACOP project. This new venture is a partnership with the China National Offshore Oil Company and the governments of Uganda and Tanzania, showing that despite mounting criticism and legal issues, TotalEnergies remains committed to its fossil fuel agenda.
