ISDS Case Map
climate
The investor-state dispute settlement system, with its roots in colonialism and extractivism, is not fit for purpose in the 21st century because it prioritises the interests of foreign investors over the rights of states, human rights and the environment.
Singapore, Chile and New Zealand have launched negotiations for a green trade pact which could include cooperation in areas like sustainable aviation fuel, carbon credits and renewable energy certificates.
UK government reported to be demanding corporate courts as a red line in deal with six Gulf countries.
In August, a Singapore-based investor filed a case against the UK government after the High Court in London quashed a proposal for a new coal mine on climate grounds.
The US has been seeking an opening to discuss the bloc’s legislation, including digital and technology rules as well as corporate compliance and climate-related regulations.
In August 2025, for the second time in its history, the UK government was sued by a foreign investor under investor-state dispute settlement provisions, through the 1975 UK-Singapore bilateral investment treaty.
Between July 14 and 17, in the city of Choluteca (Honduras), more than 60 people from 20 local communities and representatives of national and international social movements gathered for the “Meeting of communities affected by energy projects in southern Honduras - Without human rights, there is no energy sovereignty.”
Fossil fuel companies alone have launched over 300 ISDS cases, seeking over $80 billion in damages for climate-related policies aimed at phasing out oil, gas, and coal.
The billionaire’s last three cases are part of a growing global list from fossil fuel companies against government decisions to reduce carbon emissions.
With COP30 in Brazil around the corner and with the prospect of Australia co-hosting COP31 next year, a major threat to effective climate action continues to fly under the radar: Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanisms in trade and investment agreements.
