Greenpeace on the Brink of Bankruptcy After US Court Ruling of $345 Million

Federal Judge Daniel Traynor of North Dakota has approved a final judgment that could lead to the dissolution of Greenpeace structures in the United States. The awarded damages of $345 million in favor of the company Energy Transfer mark the culmination of a years-long legal battle. The case has its roots in the turbulent protests surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline, when activists attempted to block the investment in the Standing Rock reservation. The plaintiff managed to convince the court that Greenpeace's actions were not a peaceful protest, but a deliberate campaign of defamation aimed at destroying the company's financial reputation by manipulating public opinion and investors. The construction of pipelines on lands historically belonging to Native Americans has been causing tensions for decades, referencing 19th-century treaties and disputes over tribal sovereignty and groundwater protection. Greenpeace representatives described the judgment as "devastating" and an existential threat to the entire non-governmental organization sector. Activists warn that this is a classic example of a SLAPP strategy, intended to discourage citizens from holding corporations accountable. The $345 million amount, vastly exceeding the organization's budget, makes repayment impossible without declaring bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Energy Transfer maintains that the verdict fairly reflects the scale of losses incurred as a result of alleged ecosabotage and disinformation. Judge Traynor's decision opens the way for immediate enforcement by bailiffs, which in the eyes of observers could mean the complete erasure of Greenpeace from the American activism landscape. 345 mln $ — is the compensation threatening the liquidation of Greenpeace USA Legal experts emphasize that this case sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of speech and assembly. If the judgment is upheld by higher courts, any organization criticizing large infrastructure projects could face the specter of financial annihilation. Greenpeace has announced an appeal, but the enforceability of the judgment forces the organization to seek immediate protective measures against asset seizure by bailiffs. This situation casts a shadow over the future of the global climate movement, which is losing one of its strongest footholds in North America. „It is a devastating judgment that threatens the very existence of our organization in the United States.” — Greenpeace Greenpeace USA Finances vs Judgment: Organization's annual budget: approx. $30-40 million → no liquidity; Awarded damages: $0 → $345 million

Perspektywy mediów: It is emphasized that the judgment is an attack on freedom of speech and an attempt by powerful corporations to silence activists using SLAPP lawsuits. The necessity of taking responsibility for financial losses and manipulating facts during environmental protests is emphasized.