France, Feb. 19 -- The case, brought by a coalition of NGOs alongside the City of Paris, centres on France's 2017 "duty of vigilance" law.

This legislation requires large companies to identify and prevent risks to human rights, health, safety and the environment across their operations, including those of subsidiaries and suppliers abroad.

The proceedings - the first of their kind in France against a major fossil fuel company - could mark a turning point in corporations being held accountable for their role in global warming.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, fossil fuels are responsible for nearly 80 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions driving the climate crisis.

NGOs seek climate trial of French oil gia...