Court Ruling Effective: Environmental Group Halts Bayer's Net-Zero Promises

Berlin – The environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has achieved a legally effective court ruling against Bayer AG, confirmed by the Regional Court of Cologne. DUH had filed a climate lawsuit against the agrochemical giant, citing misleading claims regarding its "net-zero emissions by 2050" promise.

DUH's Federal Managing Director, Jürgen Resch, stated that the ruling demonstrates that large corporations are not above the law and must be held accountable for their public commitments. He criticized Bayer for presenting itself as part of the solution while its business model, including the production of glyphosate, contributes to climate and environmental destruction.

According to DUH, the court's decision requires Bayer to adjust its advertising to ensure transparency and honesty in its climate reporting. The organization has granted Bayer a three-month grace period to modify its marketing practices. Resch emphasized that global climate goals cannot be met if chemical companies prioritize profits over planetary boundaries.

The ruling calls for Bayer to undertake effective measures to reduce its environmental impact and to immediately cease glyphosate production. DUH views this decision as a starting point and intends to continue its advocacy, including challenging the approval of glyphosate at the European Court of Justice.