Shell’s Net Zero Pledge Remains a Corporate Mirage

Shell’s public commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050—or sooner—positions the company among the growing list of fossil fuel giants pledging to align with global climate goals. The plan includes interim targets such as reducing the carbon intensity of its energy products by 20% by 2030 and 45% by 2035, based on 2016 benchmarks. These ambitious-sounding targets are designed to demonstrate leadership in the energy transition and answer calls from investors, regulators, and the public for concrete climate action. Shell’s strategy frames the company as both a supplier of energy and a driver of sustainability. Yet, recent disclosures paint a more conflicted picture. Internal documents revealed by a Democratic-led House committee suggest that Shell lacks a detailed, actionable roadmap for achieving zero emissions in the near future. This gap between external promises and internal planning raises serious concerns about the integrity of Shell’s climate narrative. It underscores a growing skepticism toward corporate net zero pledges—particularly when they appear more focused on optics than on enforceable, science-based action. As the urgency of the climate crisis intensifies, Shell’s case exemplifies the broader credibility crisis facing oil majors attempting to walk the line between profit and planetary responsibility.