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Climate advocacy group, 350.org, says it stands in full solidarity with Greenpeace as it appeals the devastating legal ruling in favor of Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).
The $660 million defamation judgment, submits 350.org, “is not only an attack on Greenpeace – it is a chilling assault on the entire climate movement”.
Anne Jellema, Executive Director, 350.org, said: “This ruling is a blatant attempt to silence dissent and crush the power of grassroots activism. It sends a dangerous message: that fossil fuel giants can weaponize the courts to silence those who challenge the destruction of our planet. 350.org unequivocally expresses its solidarity with Greenpeace as it appeals this ruling. Greenpeace has been a tireless force for environmental justice, and this legal attack is a deliberate attempt to undermine its critical work.
“SLAPP suits like this one are designed to intimidate, drain resources, and stifle public participation. They strike at the heart of climate activism by creating a precedent that could cripple not-for-profits and grassroots movements through legal intimidation.
“The ruling sends a dangerous message to environmental organizations worldwide: that corporate polluters can weaponise the courts to silence opposition. This is especially concerning for smaller, frontline groups operating in regions without strong legal protections. If one of the world’s most prominent environmental organisations can face financial ruin for speaking out, smaller movements with fewer resources are even more vulnerable.
“This is a wake-up call for the entire movement. The fossil fuel industry is increasingly turning to ‘lawfare’ – using courts and legal action as weapons of intimidation. If this tactic succeeds, it will embolden corporations to escalate their attacks on environmental defenders everywhere.”
350.org says it is calling for:
- Stronger legal protections against SLAPP suits: Governments must introduce and enforce anti-SLAPP legislation to prevent corporate abuse of the courts.
- Global solidarity and financial support: Environmental groups, funders, and allies must rally around Greenpeace and other organisations targeted by lawfare, ensuring they have the resources to fight back.
- Public resistance against corporate bullying: The climate movement will not be silenced. This ruling only strengthens our resolve to hold fossil fuel companies accountable and push for a just, renewable energy future.
Jellema adds: “This verdict is a dangerous escalation – but it will not succeed in silencing the global climate movement. We will not be intimidated. This fight is far from over, 350.org will continue to stand with Greenpeace and all movements challenging fossil fuel giants – because our future is worth fighting for.”
