Paris Police Use Tear Gas to Disperse Climate Protesters at TotalEnergies Meeting

Paris witnessed clashes between climate protesters and the police as French oil giant TotalEnergies prepared for its annual general meeting. The gathering, marked by scuffles and the use of tear gas, comes as TotalEnergies faces not only environmental concerns but also shareholder disputes over its climate policies. With expectations of activist disruptions, the company implemented strict security measures to ensure the meeting proceeds smoothly.

Demonstrations and Police Response:

At dawn, numerous climate protesters attempted to enter the area in front of the Salle Pleyel in Paris, where the general assembly was scheduled to take place. A group of activists who positioned themselves at the entrance were forcefully removed by the police, resulting in scuffles. Tear gas canisters were deployed by law enforcement to disperse the demonstrators, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the event.

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Protesters’ Objectives: Leading climate organizations and activist groups such as 350.org, Greenpeace, and Friends of the Earth had earlier expressed their determination to disrupt the general assembly. They argue that TotalEnergies’ business strategy, focused on expanding fossil fuel projects and perpetuating climate and social injustices, is incompatible with the urgent need for global climate action.

Shareholder Resolution on Carbon Reduction Targets:

The assembly’s agenda includes a vote on an advisory resolution proposed by Follow This, an activist shareholder organization. The resolution primarily addresses TotalEnergies’ indirect carbon emissions, stemming from the usage of its products by customers in sectors such as transportation and heating. Follow This urges the company to align its reduction targets with the goals outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

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Shareholder Divisions:

TotalEnergies faces divisions among its shareholders regarding the resolution. Some major investors, including La banque PostaleAM, Edmond de Rotschild AM, and La Financière de l’Échiquier, have recommended voting against the resolution, asserting that it goes against the company’s interests and those of its shareholders and customers. However, TotalEnergies itself advocates for its own climate resolution, emphasizing its commitment to low-carbon energies and a significant investment in renewable electricity capacity by 2030.

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Criticism and Scrutiny:

TotalEnergies has faced criticism for various aspects of its operations, including its substantial profits, tax practices, and CEO compensation. The company’s record profit of $20.5 billion in 2022, as well as the proposed 10% increase in the CEO’s compensation for 2023, have drawn particular scrutiny and public discontent. Critics argue that greater transparency, accountability, and stronger commitments to climate action are needed from the company.