A Surge of Climate Lawsuits Targets Human Rights, Damage from Fossil Fuels

Cities, states and the fishing industry want courts to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for global warming.  Others argue government inaction violates rights.

A climate denier is in the White House, pushing policies that will boost emissions.  Congress is doing nothing to stop him. So citizens and local governments who are facing the impacts of rising seas, worsening heat waves and extreme weather are increasingly looking to the courts for help.
The past year saw a surge in new lawsuits filed against fossil fuel companies, and major developments in cases pressing governments for action in the United States and abroad.  And while the plaintiffs haven't secured any substantial victories in U.S. courts, they may be scoring a different victory by drawing attention to the inaction of Congress and the Executive Branch, said Michael Gerrard, faculty director at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School.

"Lawsuits, even if unsuccessful, can help shape public opinion," he said.  "Mr. Scopes lost the monkey trial, but it led to a lot more awareness about the issue of teaching evolution."

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