Greenpeace fights for its life in €290 million lawsuit

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Greenpeace has been ordered by a North Dakota judge to pay roughly €290 million in damages to Energy Transfer over its alleged role in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline
• A jury initially awarded over €559 million before the judge reduced the sum
• Greenpeace says it will appeal to the North Dakota Supreme Court

🔭 The context: • The case stems from 2016–2017 protests led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe against the Dakota Access Pipeline
• Energy Transfer accused Greenpeace (see sustainable performance of coordinating and amplifying protests
• Greenpeace denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit “lawfare” designed to silence activism
• The organization, founded in 1971, operates in more than 55 countries

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The lawsuit could financially weaken one of the world’s most prominent environmental watchdogs
• A chilling effect on activism may reduce public scrutiny of fossil fuel infrastructure projects
• The Dakota Access Pipeline remains controversial due to spill risks and its contribution to long-term oil dependence

⏭️ What’s next: Greenpeace plans to request a new trial and, if necessary, appeal to the state’s highest court
• Energy Transfer has objected to the reduction of damage
• The case could set a precedent affecting future climate and environmental protests

💬 One quote: Greenpeace International General Counsel Kristin Casper said the organization has “solid arguments for the dismissal of all legal claims against us.”

📈 One stat: The original jury verdict awarded more than €559 million in damages before being reduced to about €292 million

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