US Supreme Court Allows Climate Lawsuits Against Fossil Fuel Companies to Proceed
The US Supreme Court has allowed climate lawsuits against major oil companies to proceed in state courts, rather than federal courts, which are seen as more favorable to plaintiffs. The cases allege that fossil fuel companies exacerbated climate change by concealing and misrepresenting the dangers associated with burning fossil fuels. Local governments are seeking damages for the billions of dollars they have paid for climate mitigation and adaptation. The decision is being hailed as a breakthrough by climate experts and advocates, who hope it will lead to greater financial accountability for the fossil fuel industry.