California sues oil giants, saying they downplayed climate change. Here's what to know
NPR Online NewsSep 22, 2023
The Facts
California has filed a civil lawsuit against some of the world’s largest fossil fuel companies over claims they intentionally mislead the public about their products’ impact on climate change, which the suit alleges is now causing billions of dollars in damage.
The legal action names Exxon Mobil, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, Chevon, and the American Petroleum Institute as co-defendants.
The Spin
Narrative A
California has already spent billions responding to climate change and its associated disasters — through this suit, the fossil fuel companies behind these issues can finally be held accountable for the deception that beckoned this crisis. Over the years, more and more hard evidence has emerged concerning companies' awareness about how they were impacting the climate, which they failed to pass on to the public.
Narrative B
California – a large consumer of fossil fuels – has no case to say that its patterns of fossil fuel usage have been impacted by any messaging from these companies. Climate change is a serious issue that requires thought-out solutions and cooperation across the globe; frivolous lawsuits meant to paint fossil fuel companies as singularly responsible villains will not be helpful in securing a green future.