Big Oil sues to stop climate action
American oil companies are increasingly going on the offensive in the climate action debate. The number of lawsuits against organizations pushing for climate action in the U.S. has never been higher. Ten years after the Urgenda ruling, which compelled the Dutch government to take climate action and subsequently inspired similar efforts worldwide, we’re now seeing a counter-trend in America. Oil companies and Republican politicians are using the courts to delay or block stricter climate measures.
Climate Action Under Fire
In Nieuwsuur, Mark van Baal shares his firsthand experience on the impact of the lawsuit ExxonMobil filed last year against Follow This. The reason? Submitting a climate resolution that called for more investment in clean energy.
“It’s quite intimidating, but also confirmation that what we do is very effective. Big Oil wants to continue with oil and gas for as long as possible, and they will use every means at their disposal. That will include very far-fetched lawsuits.”
Shareholder Power
Nevertheless, the effect is clear: these intimidation attempts highlight how powerful shareholders can be. ExxonMobil wants to prevent shareholders from voting on their emissions at all costs—precisely because they know that change is inevitable.
We won’t be intimidated. Climate change is more urgent than ever. Shareholders hold the key to turning the tide. Join Follow This—and help change Big Oil from within as a green shareholder.
Watch a clip from the Nieuwsuur report:
