In a growing wave of climate litigation across the United States, Shell and several other high-profile oil and gas corporations have been thrust into the legal spotlight. The firms find themselves on the defensive, being named as respondents in numerous complaints initiated by the attorneys general of multiple US states. These lawsuits contend that these energy giants are largely responsible for environmental degradation and the accelerating impacts of climate change.
1. Shell and other major oil and gas companies are facing increasing legal action in the United States over their roles in contributing to climate change and environmental degradation.
2. The lawsuits are brought by the attorneys general of several US states, accusing the energy giants of being largely responsible for accelerating impacts of climate change.
3. This wave of climate litigation reflects the public's growing scrutiny of big oil's contribution to climate change and frustration over the perceived lack of industry accountability.
4. One common accusation in these lawsuits is the alleged spread of misinformation by these companies about the environmental risks of their operations.
5. The legal complaints also argue that the firms have failed to take reasonable steps to mitigate the environmental damage caused by their activities.
As of 2021, there are over 650 active climate change cases in the United States, many of which target major oil and gas corporations.
The mounting legal action reflects increasing public scrutiny on big oil's role in contributing to climate change. It also underscores growing frustration with the perceived lack of industry accountability, particularly amongst those who are experiencing the devastating impacts of climate-related disasters first-hand. A common theme in these lawsuits is the alleged misinformation peddled by these companies about the environmental risks of their operations. Moreover, these claims put forth the argument that the firms have failed to take reasonable measures to mitigate the damage.