TotalEnergies Appeals Landmark French Climate Vigilance Ruling

TotalEnergies is challenging a Paris court decision that found the company liable under France's duty of vigilance law for climate impacts, arguing the law does not cover climate change or customer product use.

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TotalEnergies has decided to appeal a landmark ruling by the Paris Judicial Court, which on 25 June 2026 found the company in violation of France's duty of vigilance law in a case brought by several associations.

The company's board of directors authorized the appeal, according to a statement. The original lawsuit was filed under the French law that requires large companies to identify and prevent human rights and environmental risks in their operations and supply chains.

In its appeal, TotalEnergies contends that climate change is not within the scope of the duty of vigilance law. The company also argues that corporations cannot be held liable for the ways in which their customers use their products.

The case is being closely watched as the first major judicial application of France's corporate vigilance legislation to climate-related claims. The outcome of the appeal could set a precedent for how French courts interpret the law's reach over environmental issues.