The plaintiffs allege the oil and gas giant’s historic emissions contributed to global warming and intensified disasters such as Typhoon Rai. The case also alleges Shell understood the dangers posed by climate change decades ago, while continuing operations that contributed to rising global emissions. In parts of Asia, courts struggle with political interference, corruption and limited judicial independence. In January 2026, environmental watchdog RimbaWatch brought what it described as the country’s first greenwashing climate case against the federal government. Jefferson Chua, a campaigner with Greenpeace Philippines, said countries such as the United Kingdom have more developed climate case law and stronger mechanisms for testing corporate responsibility.