CIVICUS speaks with Mark van Baal, founder and director of Follow This, about its decision to pause filing climate-related shareholder resolutions. Follow This is a Dutch environmental organisation that was founded in 2015, based on the idea that shareholders should use their power to push oil and gas companies to align with the Paris Agreement.
On 10 April, Follow This suspended its filing of climate-related shareholder resolutions for the upcoming annual general meeting season for fossil fuel companies, breaking its consistent practice since 2016. This change of direction is the result of mounting political and financial constraints, with institutional investors reducing their backing for climate initiatives. While this tactical shift raises questions about effective climate advocacy strategies, Follow This remains committed to holding fossil fuel companies accountable.
