Should Big Oil Be Held Accountable?

Back in 1989, a report from Shell predicted two futures: one with controlled fossil fuels and little climate change, and another with rising temperatures and violent storms. The second scenario is now the reality for many families in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Hurricane Helene caused devastation on a scale that's hard to comprehend. Millions are without power, thousands have lost their homes, and the death toll keeps rising. Now, Hurricane Milton is on the horizon. If a villain caused this chaos, they'd face serious legal consequences. But when it comes to climate change and its disasters, things work differently. Big Oil, responsible for much of the greenhouse gas emissions, knew about the risks. They even predicted the storms and deluges that are now wiping out communities. Despite this knowledge, they spread disinformation to stop solutions that could've made a difference.

When you act recklessly and cause harm, you're breaking the law. Big Oil's actions fit the bill for reckless endangerment and possibly more. Their conduct directly caused the conditions that fueled Helene's rapid intensification. A study found that climate change made Helene's rainfall 20 times more likely. These companies have gotten away with no punishment, and their leaders are even wealthier. The people suffering the most from climate disasters deserve justice. It's time to hold Big Oil accountable for its part in this crisis.

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