Total has faced several environmental controversies, with one of the most significant being the 1999 Erika oil spill. The oil tanker, chartered by Total, sank off the coast of France, causing one of the worst environmental disasters in French history. The spill resulted in the pollution of over 400 kilometers of coastline, damaging local fisheries and tourism industries.
Moreover, Total has been accused of contributing to climate change, with its oil and gas production activities emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases. The company has been criticized for not doing enough to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint.
In 2020, Total was fined €500,000 for environmental damage caused by a spill from one of its pipelines in France. The incident resulted in the pollution of a river and the death of thousands of fish. The company was also ordered to pay €45.9 million in compensation to local communities affected by the spill.
Additionally, Total has been involved in controversial projects, such as the extraction of oil from tar sands in Canada. The process of extracting oil from tar sands is highly carbon-intensive and has been criticized for its impact on the environment.
Total has taken some measures to address its environmental impact, such as setting a target to reduce its carbon footprint by 15% by 2030. The company has also invested in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. However, critics argue that these measures are not enough and that Total needs to do more to address its environmental impact fully.
In conclusion, Total has faced several negative issues concerning its environmental impact, including oil spills, greenhouse gas emissions, and controversial projects. While the company has taken steps to address these issues, there is still much work to be done to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to cleaner energy sources. Total’s environmental record remains a significant challenge for the company and will continue to be a focus of scrutiny and criticism.