Accountant dares to openly criticize the client's social goals

EY has, as one of the regular accountants on Shell's annual reports, found that Shell is the gescounted climate goals, by 2050 CO2 to be neutral, won't make it. Shell claims that the objectives set are in line with the Paris agreement, but EY states that it is not realistic for Shell to the current policy is able to achieve those goals. 

It is quite unique that accountants speak out so publicly. It ties in with one broader discussion about the role of accountants is bee speaking out against “greenwashing”. an organisation. In general, accountants check, in addition to the correctness of the mentioned financial and non–financial figures in annual reports, the feasibility and the degree of realism in certain objectives and statements. If the accountant then decides that they are incorrect, the company gets usually still have the option to adjust this before de accountants approve the annual report. In the case of Shell, they have now released the annual report without the auditing accountant, EY, having agreed that the objectives are feasible and realistic.  

EY takes strong social responsibility for this organizations such as Shell to check. Shell has to testable and set realistic goals. They cannot claim to be climate neutral by 2050 she In addition, they are not prepared to make the necessary adjustments in the short term. EY sets a good example for other accountants around them more pronounced to get involved in this discussion.