It’s time to prosecute climate crimes – with laws that already exist | Aaron Regunberg
Summary
Big oil companies knew for decades that their pollution would cause serious harm by worsening climate change, but they hid this information and misled the public. Existing criminal laws, such as reckless endangerment and causing a risk of catastrophe, can be used to hold these companies responsible for the damage caused by the climate crisis.Key Facts
- Record-breaking wildfires and deadly heatwaves recently caused severe damage in the U.S., forcing families to stay indoors for safety.
- Scientists say these extreme weather events are made much more likely by climate change linked to pollution from big oil companies.
- Research shows companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and BP made some heatwaves at least 10,000 times more likely due to their emissions.
- Decades ago, these companies predicted their fuels would cause dangerous climate effects but hid this knowledge to protect their profits.
- Big oil engaged in campaigns to deny and deceive the public about climate change impacts.
- There are existing criminal laws in many states that can prosecute reckless actions creating serious risks or widespread harm.
- Laws against reckless endangerment apply when someone knowingly causes risks of injury, which fits big oil’s conduct.
- Some states with catastrophe risk laws, like Pennsylvania and New Jersey—both hit hard by recent heat—could use these laws to pursue legal cases.
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