Survivors of climate disasters are urging federal prosecutors to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in worsening environmental crises.
Over 1,000 survivors of wildfires, floods and heat waves have signed a letter to the Department of Justice, calling for criminal charges against oil companies.
The letter argues that major oil firms knew about the dangers of fossil fuels since the 1950s but instead spread misinformation to protect their interests.
Efforts to hold these companies accountable include legislative actions and lawsuits from multiple states and cities.
Key quote:
"We are tired of being resilient."
— Roishetta Ozane, activist, The Vessel Project
Why this matters:
As climate disasters worsen, holding accountable those who knowingly contributed to these crises is critical for justice. Without action, communities may continue to face devastating losses while those responsible remain unchallenged.
Pioneering a campaign for environmental justice with the realities of climate change in mind, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland kicked off the month of July with a much-anticipated strategic plan for the Justice Department.
President-elect Joe Biden's pick for attorney general, U.S. Appeals Court Judge Merrick B. Garland, is set to bring deep expertise on environmental law to the Justice Department.
