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Puerto Rico's $1 billion demand against oil giants aims to compensate for climate damage. Understand how fossil fuel companies are being held accountable
Puerto Rico presented a demand against fossil fuel companies, alleging that oil and gas giants have misled the public about climate change and delayed the transition to clean energy. The lawsuit seeks $1 billion in damages to help Puerto Rico defend itself against climate disasters.
Em a complaint Presented yesterday in San Juan, the Puerto Rico Department of Justice claims that the companies violated trade law by promoting fossil fuels without adequately warning about the dangers. Among those charged are ExxonMobil, BP, Chevron, Shell, ConocoPhillips and other energy companies.
Impact of oil emissions on climate
This is the most recent of a series of lawsuits who attempt to hold fossil fuel companies responsible for the consequences of climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels are fueling storms and other extreme weather events, while rising sea levels erode island coasts. Fossil fuel companies knew for decades that their products would cause global warming, and yet they continued business as usual, According to several studies and investigations,.
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Future expectations and proposed measures
In the complaint, Puerto Rico says it expects to pay billions of dollars in the future to face catastrophes worsened by climate change, including storms like Hurricane Maria, which killed thousands of people in 2017 and caused months-long power outages.
The demand asks the defendants to contribute to a fund that would be used to mitigate the consequences of climate change and pay for measures to strengthen Puerto Rico's infrastructure against future climate-related calamities.
BP declined to comment on the demand. Other multinational energy companies mentioned in the demand did not immediately respond to The Verge.
Puerto Rico's complaint adds to a series of climate actions against oil and gas companies.
Thirty-seven municipalitys from Puerto Rico and the capital, San Juan, have previously filed lawsuits against fossil fuel companies, seeking to hold them responsible for the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria.
“It is more important than ever for employees to stand up to the fossil fuel industry on behalf of their communities. The people of Puerto Rico deserve their day in court to hold Big Oil to account,” said Richard Wiles, president of the Center for Climate Integrity, which tracks climate cases and provides legal support, in an emailed statement.
