Shell’s exit halts effort to set global oil and gas emissions standard

Shell and other major energy firms have quit a six-year push to create a global net-zero emissions standard, prompting a pause in the project amid disputes over whether companies must stop developing new oil and gas fields.

Reuters reports.

In short:

The Science-Based Targets initiative, a key climate goal assessor, proposed rules requiring oil and gas firms to cease new field development by 2027 or upon filing a climate plan.
Shell, Aker BP and Enbridge left the advisory group, citing limited influence and disagreement with the draft standard.
Work on the standard is now paused, with the initiative denying the pause is linked to the companies’ departures.

Why this matters:

Oil and gas operations account for a large share of greenhouse gases, and the decision to abandon talks could delay uniform benchmarks for corporate climate claims. Without shared rules, companies can set weaker voluntary targets while continuing to expand fossil fuel projects. The stalled process also highlights the tension between industry priorities and climate science, as governments and investors increasingly demand transparent paths to net zero.

www.reuters.com

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