“We believe that the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are largely caused by burning fossil fuels, will transform the energy system in this century. This transformation will generate both challenges and opportunities for our existing and future portfolio.”252 “The world needs more energy and falling GHG emissions at the same time. This means that, on average, each unit of energy consumed has to come with a lower amount of GHG emission in its production, distribution and use, or in other words, a lower carbon footprint. Our lives depend on energy wherever we live. But in order to prosper while tackling climate change, society needs to provide much more energy for a growing global population while finding ways to emit much less CO2. Shell has long recognised the climate challenge and the role of energy in enabling a decent quality of life. We believe that, while technological developments will emerge, effective policy and cultural change is essential to drive low-carbon business and consumer choices and opportunities. The transition to low-carbon solutions is best underpinned by meaningful government-led carbon ‘pricing’ mechanisms. We welcome efforts made by governments to cooperatively reach the global climate agreement and support long-term climate goals that balance environmental pressures with development opportunities. We particularly welcomed the United Nations Paris Agreement on climate change, which came into force on November 4, 2016. The agreement seeks to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius by managing climate and environmental pressures while ensuring economic development. Today, Shell is still primarily an oil and gas company, but we have a long tradition of innovation. We know that long-term success depends on our ability to anticipate the types of energy and fuels people will need in the future and remain commercially competitive and environmentally relevant.”253 Statements on Human Rights “Respect for human rights is embedded in our Business Principles and in our Code of Conduct. Our approach is informed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the core conventions of the International Labour Organization and the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We work closely with other companies and non-governmental organisations to continuously improve the way we apply these principles. Our focus is on four key Id., pp. 46-47. Royal Dutch Shell, Climate Change and Energy Transitions, available at https://www.shell.com/sustainability/environment/climate-change.html (last accessed on 12 September 2019). 252 253 Annex D: Corporate Statements on Climate Change and Human Rights | 67