AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – Greenpeace Netherlands has taken the first step towards legal action against meat giant JBS, demanding disclosure of information on its climate, nature and human rights impacts in order to challenge in court its business policies, including its planned US$6 billion global expansion, of which almost half is for Nigeria.

Elizabeth Atieno, Food Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, said: “The growth of JBS’ meat empire has been hand-in-glove with environmental destruction, colossal emissions, human rights abuses, corruption, and a total lack of transparency. Now it plans to export this business model to other sub-Saharan Africa countries . As well as locking-in spiralling emissions for decades to come, JBS’ predatory expansion in Nigeria threatens to cause irreversible environmental damage and displace smallholder farmers to line the pockets of wealthy international elites.

“Nigerians know well from the legacy of companies like Shell the destructive impact wrought by unchecked corporate power. This legal intervention affirms that corporations have obligations to transparency and human rights regardless where they operate in the world. The time of extractive industries operating with impunity on this continent is over. We must stop this new wave of destruction before it starts.”

In a legal letter delivered to the Amsterdam headquarters of JBS parent company JBS N.V. this morning, Greenpeace Netherlands’ lawyers set out multiple alleged breaches by JBS of Dutch law stemming from the extensive emissions and long history of environmental damage and human rights abuses linked to its business. JBS’ expansion plans risk further exacerbating these harms, it argues, raising serious concerns that expansion will be inconsistent with the company’s climate and biodiversity obligations and represent a continued breach of Dutch duty of care, which requires companies to act in line with international human rights law. [1]

Under new legislation that allows access to data held by Dutch companies for the purpose of bringing litigation, the letter demands that JBS disclose within three weeks assessments it holds relating to the climate, nature and human rights impacts of its historic operations and its planned expansion. Should the company fail to comply, Greenpeace Netherlands is entitled to seek the required information in the form of documents and from senior JBS figures under oath, raising the prospect of the Batista brothers being forced to testify in Dutch court.

Marieke Vellekoop, Executive Director at Greenpeace Netherlands, said: “JBS was warned that if it brought its bloody business to the Netherlands, we would do everything in our power to ensure it complies with Dutch law. Today, we are following through on that promise.

“JBS’ six billion dollar global expansion is following its usual playbook: peddling empty promises, refusing transparency and sidelining communities. Greenpeace Netherlands’ innovative legal intervention forces JBS out of the shadows, exposing its historic and ongoing destructive impacts and laying the ground for a first major climate and nature lawsuit against the predatory expansion of the global meat industry.”

In November 2024, JBS announced an agreement with the government of Nigeria for US$ 2.5 billion investment over five years comprising the construction of six meat-processing plants.[2] Civil society groups in Nigeria have raised serious concerns, citing environmental, health, and social risks associated with industrial animal farming, which is yet to establish a foothold in Africa.[3]

“We have seen this before,” said Elujulo Opeyemi, Executive Director at Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network (YARN), on behalf of Nigeria’s Climate Justice Movement. “A foreign company arrives with big promises: jobs, development, progress, and instead leaves a trail of destruction whose price communities pay for decades. The Niger Delta is our reminder of what happens when governments open the door to destructive corporations without asking the hard questions first. We are asking those questions now, and we expect answers before a single plant is built.”

There is no available evidence that JBS has conducted any environmental and social impact assessments or consultations with communities and other stakeholders in Nigeria, and efforts by civil society to gather more information via Freedom of Information requests have reportedly been ignored.[4] Last month, Greenpeace Africa submitted an amicus curiae brief before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights arguing that allowing multinational corporations to expand without meaningful environmental safeguards constitutes a failure of the State’s duty to protect human rights. The brief points specifically to JBS’ Nigeria expansion as an example

In June 2025, JBS concluded a decade-long effort to list shares on the New York Stock Exchange. As part of the listing, JBS reconstituted as a Dutch company, moving its headquarters from Sao Paulo to Amsterdam. Before the listing, Greenpeace International warned JBS shareholders that it would ‘do its part to make sure JBS operates within Dutch law’.

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Photos and videos available from the Greenpeace Media Library

[1] This follows a similar legal reasoning to the recently filed Milieudefensie v Shell case. Media briefing with further details on the legal letter and JBS’ global expansion plans, including in Nigeria. Full letter available here. (Greenpeace Netherlands)

[2] JBS announcement[3, 4] Experts raise concerns over the risks of industrial animal farming (The Sun Nigeria)

Contacts:
Joe Evans, Agriculture Global Comms Lead at Greenpeace UK,  +44 7890 595387, jevans@greenpeace.org

Valerie Kierkels, Press Officer at Greenpeace Netherlands, +31621296895, vkierkels@greenpeace.org 

Ferdinand Omondi, Communications and Story Manager at Greenpeace Africa, +254 722 505 233, fomondi@greenpeace.org 

Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org. 

Santa Marta, Colombia – The landmark Santa Marta conference for the transition away from fossil fuels represents an important milestone on the road to long-term climate and energy stability. 

The coalition of countries emerging from the conference now need to spearhead ambitious national action at home and help drive momentum and concrete progress in the UNFCCC and beyond. A second conference will be jointly held by Tuvalu and Ireland in April 2027.

Among the key outcomes in Santa Marta, Greenpeace has also welcomed the establishment of a scientific panel, Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition, which will provide scientific input to policymakers to enable the clean energy transition. 

Shiva Gounden, Greenpeace Head of Delegation in Santa Marta and Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: “Santa Marta was a breath of fresh air, a real sign that the wind is finally shifting. But a signal isn’t a solution and the transition is still moving far too slowly for my people in the Pacific and all climate vulnerable communities. We’ve taken a much-needed first step, but now comes the hard work to actually break the hold fossil fuels have on our global security and keep the world within 1.5°C.”

“When we get to Tuvalu, the conversation has to change. We can’t just bring more ambition; we have to bring proof of implementation. Santa Marta gave us the momentum, but Tuvalu must be where we turn that momentum into a reality that keeps our homes and our people above water and our future safe.”

To coincide with the First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Greenpeace International has produced a policy briefing outlining the core elements of a just transition away from fossil fuels and the urgent, priority actions needed from national governments and through global co-operation to make it a reality.[1]

Laura Caicedo, Campaigns Coordinator, Greenpeace Colombia said: “This conference was an important space to put the just energy transition on the agenda ahead of the Climate COP. There is willingness and a sense of fresh momentum that is worth celebrating, but this is only the beginning: more time is needed for this process to mature into a true platform for dialogue that can inform decision-making in this and other cooperation spaces on key energy issues. However, it cannot become an excuse to delay the fulfillment of national commitments already made on emissions reductions, ecosystem protection, and the inclusion of people.” 

Anna Cárcamo, Climate Politics Specialist at Greenpeace Brazil said: “The Santa Marta conference was an important moment to listen to countries, subnational governments, scientists, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, people of African Descent, other important representative groups and the voices from the streets calling for a transition away from fossil fuels and presenting solutions.”

“Now we need to see this movement extend to action, while ensuring that the transition is fair, fast and funded and built on foundations of justice. Countries need to develop and implement their national roadmaps, with developed countries moving faster and providing quality finance to developing countries to implement their transitions, in a manner that does not deepen their debt.”

Rodrigo Estrada, Senior Climate Advisor, Greenpeace International said: “Amid a tense geopolitical context and worsening climate extremes, Santa Marta helped spark a feeling of renewed energy, but delegates must now follow through to deliver action, not just words. While households struggle with rising costs as the US-Israel war on Iran drives oil and gas profits higher, 57 nations in Santa Marta have also been looking for ways to finance a just transition. That solution starts with permanently taxing the profits, not just windfalls, of fossil fuel majors and replacing this system with renewable energy.”

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Photos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library. 

Notes:
[1] A Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels: Policy Briefing 

 
Contact:

Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org

Crew on the Greenpeace International vessel Arctic Sunrise report that vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla have been boarded and harassed by Israeli forces in international waters 45 nautical miles west of the Greek island Kythira and 600 nautical miles from Gaza. 

A radio warning was received by the Global Sumud vessels at 18:43 UTC (21:43 local time) on the general international channel (16), with the sender identifying themselves as the Israeli Navy and demanding that the flotilla change course. This was followed by jamming communication channels, which meant putting the fleet at risk in open sea. Jamming included VHF maritime emergency SOS communication, VHF channels for flotilla coordination, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Iridium bands. At the time of writing, all communication is lost with several flotilla vessels.

By 03:47 UTC, we have confirmation that multiple vessels of the flotilla have been illegally boarded by Israeli forces and have since lost contact.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international movement of coordinated, nonviolent action, sailing to end Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza, confront the complicity that enables occupation, and stand with the Palestinian people. With the Arctic Sunrise, Greenpeace has been providing logistical support.

Greenpeace is calling on all governments to act with urgency to uphold international law and ensure the protection of the Global Sumud Flotilla with concrete steps to ensure its safe passage to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. 

Pujarini Sen, Project Lead on board the Arctic Sunrise said: “Greenpeace stands in solidarity with the people of Gaza and with the many brave individuals risking their freedom and safety aboard the flotilla. Humanitarian assistance must be respected and protected at all times and at all costs.”

“We renew our call on world leaders to take concrete and immediate action in the face of the genocide being inflicted by Israel on the people of Gaza. The international community’s ongoing failure to enforce international law leaves it culpable for Israel’s actions.

The Israeli government continues to enforce a full blockade by land and sea of aid and food from international organisations. Blocking aid and targeting those who attempt to deliver it are violations of international humanitarian law.”

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The Israeli IDF radio transmission can be downloaded here

The Flotilla Tracker map shows the location of the vessels: https://globalsumudflotilla.org/tracker/ 

Live streams from the flotilla: https://globalsumudflotilla.org/live

Contact:

Diederick van den Ende, Communication Lead (on board the Arctic Sunrise), dvdende@greenpeace.org 

Greenpeace International Press Desk, pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org, +31 20 718 2470 (24 hours)

Global Sumud Flotilla, media@globalsumudflotilla.org, +44 1414 620 950

I am writing this with my feet still sandy from Santa Marta in Colombia, and my heart fuller than when I arrived—because coming to the coast always fills me with motivation. This week, I participated in the First International Conference on Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels.

This was a space I hoped would not merely be a forum for political declarations about ending coal, oil and gas, but a genuine conversation about how to make the clean energy transition possible. With the participation of over 50 countries from around the world, the dialogue brought together local communities, civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, small-scale farmers, Afro-descendant communities, academics, think tanks, intergovernmental institutions, and many other stakeholders to discuss a subject as central as energy and a safe climate.

A City That Says It All

Santa Marta is no neutral backdrop; it is a Caribbean city guarded by the Sierra Nevada—the largest coastal mountain range on the planet—the source of the watersheds that supply the entire region, and home to Indigenous Peoples who know and protect it. Yet, it is also a city battered by the climate crisis. Just recently, a heavy swell washed tons of plastic onto its beaches, harming wildlife and stripping away the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea. It serves as a stark reminder that plastic pollution is yet another major impact left behind by fossil fuels.

Discussing the energy transition here—in a region boasting some of the highest solar radiation levels in Colombia and winds that never cease—raises an inevitable question: what are we waiting for? And who stands to benefit from our delay in making this transition?

That is why we went to the beach and wrote in the sand:

SUN AND WIND: OUR ENERGY FUTURE

What We Built Together

For two days before, I worked alongside civil society organisations, Indigenous Peoples, academics, and institutions from across Latin America during the fifth Retreat for Latin American Civil Society Organizations. Together, we crafted a shared definition of the essential elements that must be included in the national roadmaps designed to halt deforestation and guide our countries’ transition away from fossil fuels. We reached agreements regarding citizen participation, financing, product traceability, and the governance of our forests—aimed at ensuring that a standing forest holds more value than a destroyed one, and that the transition is carried out *with*, *by*, and *for* the people.

It was not easy. Deforestation and energy issues are not experienced in the same way across the world. In the case of deforestation, Latin America produces a large portion of what the world consumes; such a meat, soy, wood, minerals, among other commodities. Yet today—due to a lack of regulation, information, and traceability—this production destroys ecosystems vital for life, jeopardises our water and unique species, and generates tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Hearing this directly from the voices of those who live through it in their own territories lends greater weight and a human face than any statistic. And these communities can no longer be the last to learn about decisions that affect their territories.

My lasting impressions

The most important things, however, did not happen within the working sessions. They happened out on the streets—talking with taxi drivers, students, and vendors. When asked if they would like their home energy to come from the sun—which shines down on them all year round—and for that energy to be more accessible and affordable, the answer was always the same: “Of course. What needs to happen to make that possible? How would it affect us?”

These are the questions that we at Greenpeace carry into every decision-making space, representing the people who could not be here in person but who have every right to have someone speak on their behalf. We have four years left until 2030 to achieve several key goals:  halt and reverse deforestation and to triple renewable energy capacity to reduce global emissions as part of a fair, fast and funded energy transition. Four years for governments to transform intentions into concrete roadmaps, complete with clear targets and genuine public participation. That is not a lot of time.

I leave with greater clarity than when I arrived but with the same unwavering conviction as always: this conversation can no longer be left solely to the experts.

A just energy transition, making the fossil fuel polluters pay and the protection of our Amazon are built by more people demanding change, asking questions, and getting involved. 

Respect the Amazon

Ask political leaders to act on their promises to stop Amazon destruction.

Join the movement

Laura Caicedo is the Campaigns Coordinator with Greenpeace Colombia.