If you’re not yet familiar with “climate lawsuits” you probably soon will be – especially if they eventually evolve into criminal charges for companies that don’t maintain compliance with environmental regulations.
“Climate lawsuits” is a catch-all term for legal cases brought against corporations for their role in contributing to climate change. They typically seek to hold responsible parties accountable for the environmental damage they cause, especially when they fail to adhere to environmental laws.
What’s changing in the legal landscape?
Essentially, most climate change lawsuits are brought by plaintiffs who argue that various corporations have failed to sufficiently address their impact on climate change. They may argue, for example, that oil and gas companies have knowingly contributed to climate change while misleading the public about their impact on the environment. They may sue for failure to meet certain environmental regulations, claiming that the corporate failure violates their rights to a healthy environment.
However, there’s a growing conversation about whether corporations should face criminal consequences for their environmental lapses – including homicide or manslaughter charges. Climate change is increasingly linked to deadly events like hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires and floods, among other things, and the loss of life can be profound. Some industry insiders and advocates believe that future lawsuits may head that direction, pushing current legal boundaries.
The changing times – and constantly changing environmental regulations – make it increasingly important for companies of all sizes to have strong legal guidance with their environmental issues and concerns. These days, it’s far better to stay ahead of the curve. If your company is targeted in a climate change lawsuit, it can be much more costly than taking proactive measures with sound legal guidance.
