Survivors of Typhoon Rai in the Philippines are suing Shell for its contribution to climate change and are seeking compensation for the damages suffered.

Filipino Trixy Elle and her family painfully recall how they fought for survival during Typhoon Rai, which devastated the Philippines in 2021, killing over 400 people and destroying more than a million homes. Now, Elle, along with 66 other survivors, is suing Shell in British courts, seeking compensation for the losses suffered. This action sets a precedent, being the first to directly link polluting companies to the damages caused by climate change. The plaintiffs argue that Shell's activities contributed to the climate changes that intensified the impact of the typhoon. They also claim that Shell violated the constitutional rights of citizens to a healthy environment. Despite Shell's denial, evidence suggests that the company was aware of the negative effects of fossil fuel production. The case is supported by a report from the Philippine Commission on Human Rights, which investigated the responsibility of major fuel producers for human rights violations related to the climate crisis. In the context of increasing climate litigation globally, the case stands out for its use of attribution science to demonstrate the link between Shell's activities and extreme weather events. As communities continue to struggle with the effects of climate change, courts are becoming a new battleground for survivors seeking accountability and justice. Trixy Elle emphasizes that her motivation is the future of her children, wanting to prevent their suffering in the face of such disasters.