The Guardian. (2021, June 30). Big oil and gas kept a dirty secret for decades. Now they may pay the price. Retrieved August 9, 2021, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/30/climate-crimes-oil-and-gas-environment
A wave of lawsuits are hitting big oil companies, and aim to hold them accountable for their devastation of our environment caused by fossil fuels. Our country is experiencing an uptick in environmental issues, such as rising sea levels, “mega rains”, warmer waters, and so much more. These issues can be attributed to the oil industries lack of regard for our environment. More specifically, the decade long campaigns designed to deceit and suppress information from their own scientists about the dangers of fossil fuels. A draft United Nations report, warns that the consequences of the climate crisis will “fundamentally reshape life on Earth in the coming decades even if fossil fuel emissions are curbed.”
This article shows how big oil companies have been censoring their own scientists about the dangers of climate change for a decade, which has led to a multitude of environmental damages. It is important that the general public becomes aware of these issues, as we can work towards ending the damage that is being done. However, scientists say that even if we are able to curb fossil fuel emissions, the effects are irreversible, and will have consequences. Fortunately, U.S. cities are working to fight back against these companies and their actions, in order to stop this problem. One example is Imperial Beach, the poorest town in San Diego, which has been battling rising sea levels with little to no money to build protective barriers. They are accusing oil companies of creating a “public nuisance” by adding to the climate crisis. They are hoping to win enough money to build protective barriers. This is important, because if we continue to allow oil companies to get away with censoring scientists and damaging our environment, there will come a time when the damage to our environment is too severe to save.
I agree with your stance. However, I also think that just asking for enough money to build protective barriers isn’t enough in the San Diego lawsuit. Sure, they get enough money to help mitigate the effects of climate change on their community but after that the big oil companies are going to turn right back around and continue doing what they’ve been doing. I think as well as a sum of money, the residents should also try to set limits on the total emissions of the company in some shape or form.
Yes, I completely agree with your position, however I also think it is important that we begin to take steps in the right direction, no matter how small they may be. I also believe we need to set limits and regulations.