Shell Oil Company’s disproportionate spending between modest political contributions and extremely high lobbying expenditures suggests an aggressive strategy to shape policy and influence political outcomes. Such a heavy reliance on lobbying may undermine democratic accountability and favor policies that protect entrenched corporate interests, aligning with authoritarian practices.

Shell plc Profile: Summary

The article highlights longstanding human rights and environmental abuses by Shell in the Niger Delta, including polluted drinking water, contaminated agricultural land, and harm to fisheries, linked to decades of hazardous operations. The push for a fast‐track approval for the sale of its business raises concerns that Shell might avoid accountability, thus reinforcing systemic harm to marginalized communities. This activity reflects deeply unethical business practices concerning human rights, warranting a strongly negative score in the labor relations and human rights practices category.

Shell must be held accountable for human rights harms ...

Shell's failure to address and remediate chronic oil pollution in the Niger Delta has led to significant human rights concerns, with marginalized communities suffering environmental injustice. The lack of adequate compensation or remediation efforts underscores problematic business practices and ethical responsibility, contributing negatively to its overall impact on society.

High Court greenlights human rights claims against Shell in the UK over Niger Delta oil pollution

Shell’s detailed disclosure of its lobbying activities, including both direct and indirect advocacy for climate and energy transition policies, reflects a commitment to transparency and alignment with internationally recognized climate goals. This proactive approach in engaging policymakers and industry associations to foster a net-zero transition is viewed positively from an anti‐authoritarian and progressive standpoint.

Shell Climate and Energy Transition Lobbying Report 2023

Shell’s report outlines its active engagement in political lobbying through both direct advocacy with governments and indirect efforts via industry associations. Although corporate lobbying can sometimes undermine democratic accountability, the focus of this report on decarbonisation and emissions reduction aligns with progressive, environmental objectives. The transparency in disclosing its lobbying efforts also supports an accountable practice.

Climate and Energy Transition Lobbying Report 2023

The internal documents and testimony indicate that Shell’s problematic conduct may have been compounded by a degree of regulatory capture. By dismissing concerns and engaging in questionable funding practices, Shell appears to have prioritized its financial and strategic interests over proper environmental remediation and community welfare, thereby exerting an undue economic and structural influence.

Nigeria oil: Shell ignored warnings of spill clean-up 'scam', whistleblower tells BBC

The company's alleged complicity in human rights violations, through supporting repressive measures that harmed communities and activists, reflects a disregard for ethical labor and human rights practices.

Shell accused of abuses in Nigeria's Ogoniland