Tracking the Lawsuits Fighting for Climate Accountability

About the Series

Courts are emerging as a new battleground in the climate change fight. From cases over public policy in Europe to fossil fuel industry advertising from ExxonMobil and the American Petroleum Institute in the United States, lawsuits seeking to hold governments and corporations accountable for the fossil-fueled climate crisis are on the rise. DeSmog is covering important developments in climate accountability lawsuits, both in the U.S. and internationally.

Watch this space for updates. And check out the Climate Investigations Center’s Climate Lawsuit Index for the complaints and referenced source documents.

In This Series

onApr 30, 2024 @ 15:00 PDT

Historic hearing of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights asked judges to clarify the role of business in preventing human rights harms from climate change.

Historic hearing of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights asked judges to clarify the role of business in preventing human rights harms from climate change.
onDec 15, 2023 @ 03:00 PST

The Federal Court of Appeal said โ€œthe burden of addressing [climate] consequences will disproportionately affect Canadian youth.โ€

The Federal Court of Appeal said โ€œthe burden of addressing [climate] consequences will disproportionately affect Canadian youth.โ€
onNov 1, 2023 @ 14:20 PDT

The Hawaii Supreme Court denied fossil fuel companiesโ€™ appeal, allowing the case to proceed to discovery.

The Hawaii Supreme Court denied fossil fuel companiesโ€™ appeal, allowing the case to proceed to discovery.
onOct 24, 2023 @ 09:11 PDT

Shell's fuel and chemical terminal in New Haven isn't ready to withstand extreme storms and flooding, activist lawyers have charged.

Shell's fuel and chemical terminal in New Haven isn't ready to withstand extreme storms and flooding, activist lawyers have charged.
onSep 28, 2023 @ 21:05 PDT

Activists hope that more and bigger court wins will break the "grinding gridlock" on policies to end use of fossil fuels.

Activists hope that more and bigger court wins will break the "grinding gridlock" on policies to end use of fossil fuels.
onSep 16, 2023 @ 08:48 PDT

Lawsuit filed against five oil and gas majors and API demands they pay for their decades of deception.

Lawsuit filed against five oil and gas majors and API demands they pay for their decades of deception.
onAug 23, 2023 @ 12:28 PDT

Montana courtโ€™s recognition of โ€œoverwhelming scientific consensusโ€ that fossil fuel production and use is dangerous, shows that climate science is relevant to court decisions.

Montana courtโ€™s recognition of โ€œoverwhelming scientific consensusโ€ that fossil fuel production and use is dangerous, shows that climate science is relevant to court decisions.
Analysis
onAug 23, 2023 @ 03:00 PDT

Eniโ€™s legal threat reflects a growing trend of petro-firms using dubious lawsuits to quash activism, intimidate critics, and dodge accountability.

Eniโ€™s legal threat reflects a growing trend of petro-firms using dubious lawsuits to quash activism, intimidate critics, and dodge accountability.
onAug 18, 2023 @ 09:27 PDT

Honolulu has sued Big Oil over the costs of adapting to weather extremes โ€“ including bigger fire risks.

Honolulu has sued Big Oil over the costs of adapting to weather extremes โ€“ including bigger fire risks.
onAug 14, 2023 @ 16:41 PDT

โ€œGame-changer rulingโ€ has implications for future climate change lawsuits in the US and around the world.

โ€œGame-changer rulingโ€ has implications for future climate change lawsuits in the US and around the world.
onJul 3, 2023 @ 14:09 PDT

New report details how more โ€œclimate-washingโ€ lawsuits and complaints are being filed against corporationsโ€™ greenwashing than ever before, and experts warn complicit PR and ad firms could face legal risks.

New report details how more โ€œclimate-washingโ€ lawsuits and complaints are being filed against corporationsโ€™ greenwashing than ever before, and experts warn complicit PR and ad firms could face legal risks.
onJun 26, 2023 @ 22:23 PDT

Department of Justice request seeks to shut courthouse doors on young people and climate science.

Department of Justice request seeks to shut courthouse doors on young people and climate science.
onJun 22, 2023 @ 12:30 PDT

The climate lawsuit filed by Multnomah County is the first to name consulting firm McKinsey & Company as a defendant.

The climate lawsuit filed by Multnomah County is the first to name consulting firm McKinsey & Company as a defendant.
onJun 20, 2023 @ 13:49 PDT

The state canceled two of its three expert witnesses and those who testified repeatedly emphasized that they are not scientists.

The state canceled two of its three expert witnesses and those who testified repeatedly emphasized that they are not scientists.
onJun 16, 2023 @ 12:50 PDT

The state has never denied a permit for a fossil fuel project, despite its constitutionโ€™s guarantee of the right to a clean and healthful environment.

The state has never denied a permit for a fossil fuel project, despite its constitutionโ€™s guarantee of the right to a clean and healthful environment.
onJun 14, 2023 @ 14:45 PDT

The landmark trial marks the first time in US history that kids are testifying in court about the effects of climate change on their wellbeing.

The landmark trial marks the first time in US history that kids are testifying in court about the effects of climate change on their wellbeing.
onJun 9, 2023 @ 08:30 PDT

The trial starts June 12 โ€“ despite the legislature's fast-tracked changes to energy and environmental policies.

The trial starts June 12 โ€“ despite the legislature's fast-tracked changes to energy and environmental policies.
onMay 25, 2023 @ 03:00 PDT

Suing under an organized crime statute, the New Jersey city says major oil and gas companies and their chief lobbying group have โ€œconspired to deceive the world for decades.โ€

Suing under an organized crime statute, the New Jersey city says major oil and gas companies and their chief lobbying group have โ€œconspired to deceive the world for decades.โ€
onApr 24, 2023 @ 15:46 PDT

The courtโ€™s denial of petitions in a handful of climate cases clears the way for them to proceed in state courts.

The courtโ€™s denial of petitions in a handful of climate cases clears the way for them to proceed in state courts.
onApr 13, 2023 @ 02:15 PDT

Document warning that civilisation could prove a "fragile thing" is used to bolster District of Columbia lawsuit against Big Oil.

Document warning that civilisation could prove a "fragile thing" is used to bolster District of Columbia lawsuit against Big Oil.
onApr 10, 2023 @ 14:50 PDT

World-first climate lawsuit challenging a stateโ€™s transportation system will go to trial this fall.

World-first climate lawsuit challenging a stateโ€™s transportation system will go to trial this fall.
onApr 5, 2023 @ 16:24 PDT

European Court of Human Rights holds first-ever hearings on climate, while the UN adopts a landmark resolution asking the International Court of Justice to weigh in on countriesโ€™ legal responsibility to safeguard the climate system.

European Court of Human Rights holds first-ever hearings on climate, while the UN adopts a landmark resolution asking the International Court of Justice to weigh in on countriesโ€™ legal responsibility to safeguard the climate system.
onApr 3, 2023 @ 13:46 PDT

Sixteen Montana children and teens have sued the state, saying Montanaโ€™s promotion of oil, coal, and gas despite the climate emergency violates their state constitutional rights.

Sixteen Montana children and teens have sued the state, saying Montanaโ€™s promotion of oil, coal, and gas despite the climate emergency violates their state constitutional rights.
onMar 16, 2023 @ 18:29 PDT

Solicitor Generalโ€™s brief backs communitiesโ€™ position that climate liability litigation belongs in state court, a technical fight that has delayed many accountability lawsuits.

Solicitor Generalโ€™s brief backs communitiesโ€™ position that climate liability litigation belongs in state court, a technical fight that has delayed many accountability lawsuits.
onFeb 28, 2023 @ 14:40 PST

The legal action represents a world-first climate lawsuit against a commercial bank.

The legal action represents a world-first climate lawsuit against a commercial bank.
onFeb 21, 2023 @ 15:59 PST

A dozen young people have brought a constitutional climate case against the Austrian government, part of a growing wave of youth-led climate litigation.

A dozen young people have brought a constitutional climate case against the Austrian government, part of a growing wave of youth-led climate litigation.
onFeb 16, 2023 @ 16:47 PST

With the Canadian government still boosting fossil fuels, itโ€™s time for young Canadiansโ€™ day in court, argue lawyers suing the government.

With the Canadian government still boosting fossil fuels, itโ€™s time for young Canadiansโ€™ day in court, argue lawyers suing the government.
onFeb 9, 2023 @ 16:24 PST

Shell admits in internal documents it has โ€œno immediate plans to move to a net-zero emissions portfolio.โ€

Shell admits in internal documents it has โ€œno immediate plans to move to a net-zero emissions portfolio.โ€
onDec 29, 2022 @ 06:23 PST

The past year saw major developments in accountability cases against oil companies and national governments around the world, as well as setbacks for several high-profile fossil fuel projects.

The past year saw major developments in accountability cases against oil companies and national governments around the world, as well as setbacks for several high-profile fossil fuel projects.
onDec 2, 2022 @ 13:25 PST

Municipalities aim to hold industry liable for damages from catastrophic 2017 hurricanes.

Municipalities aim to hold industry liable for damages from catastrophic 2017 hurricanes.
onNov 21, 2022 @ 16:18 PST

Fossil fuel defendants in climate liability lawsuits keep losing in their bids to keep cases in federal courts.

Fossil fuel defendants in climate liability lawsuits keep losing in their bids to keep cases in federal courts.
onOct 18, 2022 @ 18:18 PDT

The case adds to a growing number of major climate accountability cases against the oil industry, a scenario that Shell predicted in 1998.

The case adds to a growing number of major climate accountability cases against the oil industry, a scenario that Shell predicted in 1998.
onMar 15, 2022 @ 12:59 PDT

Individuals are expected to be a growing target of legal action on climate change, with activists, investors, and regulators looking carefully at how companies and their boards disclose and respond to climate risks.

Individuals are expected to be a growing target of legal action on climate change, with activists, investors, and regulators looking carefully at how companies and their boards disclose and respond to climate risks.
onFeb 18, 2022 @ 08:16 PST

The decision of one Appeal Court judge left hope that future projects could be required to consider emissions produced when fossil fuels are burned, which dwarf those caused by the extraction process.

The decision of one Appeal Court judge left hope that future projects could be required to consider emissions produced when fossil fuels are burned, which dwarf those caused by the extraction process.
onFeb 14, 2022 @ 15:54 PST

A new report suggests that lawsuits alleging false or misleading โ€œclimate-washingโ€ claims are increasing and โ€œpushing the cause forward.โ€

A new report suggests that lawsuits alleging false or misleading โ€œclimate-washingโ€ claims are increasing and โ€œpushing the cause forward.โ€
onJan 18, 2022 @ 09:39 PST

A judge said the claimantsโ€™ focus on specific years when the companies received more in tax breaks than they sent to the government was โ€œnonsensicalโ€.

A judge said the claimantsโ€™ focus on specific years when the companies received more in tax breaks than they sent to the government was โ€œnonsensicalโ€.
onDec 8, 2021 @ 11:43 PST

The judicial review, brought against the government's Oil and Gas Authority and business secretary, comes a week after Shell pulled out of the Cambo North Sea project.

The judicial review, brought against the government's Oil and Gas Authority and business secretary, comes a week after Shell pulled out of the Cambo North Sea project.
onNov 4, 2021 @ 03:00 PDT

The Giudizio Universale lawsuit heads to court in December. It is one of many climate cases initiated by civil society in more than 40 countries around the world.

The Giudizio Universale lawsuit heads to court in December. It is one of many climate cases initiated by civil society in more than 40 countries around the world.
onJul 26, 2021 @ 08:48 PDT

Campaigners have said they will appeal the decision and believe the government's plans are "more at risk of being cut back this autumn than ever".

Campaigners have said they will appeal the decision and believe the government's plans are "more at risk of being cut back this autumn than ever".
onJul 2, 2021 @ 05:23 PDT

The case was brought by the coastal town of Grand-Synthe in northern France, particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures as sea levels rise.

The case was brought by the coastal town of Grand-Synthe in northern France, particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures as sea levels rise.
onJun 29, 2021 @ 11:10 PDT

Englandโ€™s strategic road network is already responsible for more than 10 percent of the UKโ€™s domestic carbon emissions.

Englandโ€™s strategic road network is already responsible for more than 10 percent of the UKโ€™s domestic carbon emissions.
onJun 28, 2021 @ 09:59 PDT

Most of the lawsuits analysed did not quantify the extent to which climate change was responsible for the impacts suffered by plaintiffs, known as "attribution science".

Most of the lawsuits analysed did not quantify the extent to which climate change was responsible for the impacts suffered by plaintiffs, known as "attribution science".
onJun 15, 2021 @ 10:39 PDT

Last week, the government said it would keep issuing new oil and gas exploration licences, contradicting recommendations from a recent high-profile report by the International Energy Agency.

Last week, the government said it would keep issuing new oil and gas exploration licences, contradicting recommendations from a recent high-profile report by the International Energy Agency.
onMay 26, 2021 @ 11:58 PDT

"This is a turning point in history," said an attorney who noted that the ruling "may also have major consequences for other big polluters."

"This is a turning point in history," said an attorney who noted that the ruling "may also have major consequences for other big polluters."
onApr 13, 2021 @ 01:00 PDT

How the court handles two separate cases could shape the future of climate lawsuits across the world.

How the court handles two separate cases could shape the future of climate lawsuits across the world.
onMar 24, 2021 @ 05:26 PDT

The UK government has ignored campaigners' calls to refuse new licences for fossil fuel extraction in the North Sea.

The UK government has ignored campaigners' calls to refuse new licences for fossil fuel extraction in the North Sea.
onFeb 3, 2021 @ 08:38 PST

The French state has been found guilty of climate inaction in what campaigners have dubbed โ€œthe case of the centuryโ€.  Today the Paris administrative court concluded France has failed to...
onDec 22, 2020 @ 12:30 PST

Norwayโ€™s Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled not to overturn the Norwegian governmentโ€™s approval of new licenses for offshore oil drilling in the fragile Arcticย region. The ruling โ€“ a culmination of fo...
onDec 21, 2020 @ 13:17 PST

This year โ€” with its converging crises, from the coronavirus pandemic to longstanding racial injustice to climate-related disastersย โ€” was also a remarkably active time for climate litigation. All a...
onDec 16, 2020 @ 08:31 PST

Campaigners opposing Heathrow expansion today remained defiant as a top court ruled that the governmentโ€™s decision to approve it was legal. The Supreme Court concluded that the UK go...
onDec 8, 2020 @ 03:48 PST

Shell has appeared in court in the Netherlands accused of breaching its duty of care obligations and human rights law by failing to take strong action on climate change. The climate litigatio...
onDec 2, 2020 @ 08:22 PST

On January 19, 2021 โ€” just one day before President-elect Joe Biden takes the oath of office โ€” the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a climate change accountability lawsuit brought by Balti...
onNov 30, 2020 @ 05:46 PST

An unprecedented climate lawsuit brought by six Portuguese youths is to be fast-tracked at Europeโ€™s highest court, it was announcedย today. The European Court of Human Rights said the case, which a...
onNov 29, 2020 @ 03:58 PST

An unprecedented climate lawsuit brought by six Portuguese youths is to be fast-tracked at Europeโ€™s highest court, it was announcedย today. The European Court of Human Rights said the case, which a...
onNov 20, 2020 @ 13:55 PST

A French court this week issued what climate campaigners are calling a โ€œhistoric decisionโ€ in the fight to hold national governments accountable for insufficient action to address the climateย crisi...
onNov 13, 2020 @ 11:48 PST

The Supreme Court of Norway is set to rule in a high-profile climate change lawsuit challenging the Norwegian governmentโ€™s licensing of new offshore oil drilling in the fragile and rapidly warming ...
onOct 30, 2020 @ 13:17 PDT

The Federal Court of Canada has decided to dismiss a climate lawsuit based on constitutional rights and brought by 15 young Canadians against the federal government. The decision, issued October 27...
onOct 7, 2020 @ 16:07 PDT

Septemberย saw a flurry of new lawsuits filed by cities and states against major fossil fuel companiesย over the climate crisis and the resulting impacts that are already being felt. After Hoboken, N...
onSep 25, 2020 @ 15:16 PDT

On Wednesday, September 23, several members of Congress introduced a resolutionย in both houses thatย supportsย the principles and demands of the 21 youth suing the U.S. government in the landmark con...
onSep 18, 2020 @ 12:55 PDT

As rampant wildfires worsened by climate change continuedย to batter the western U.S. this week, a Washington state appeals courtย examined the question of whether young people should be allowed to s...
onSep 11, 2020 @ 13:23 PDT

This week, a group of eight Australian teens hasย brought a groundbreaking new climate change lawsuit against Australiaโ€™s Federal Minister for the Environment in an effort to stop a proposed coal mi...
onSep 10, 2020 @ 14:28 PDT

Delaware, the home state of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, announced on Thursday, September 10 that it is taking dozens of major oil and gas companies including BP, Chevron, and Exxon...
onSep 3, 2020 @ 16:23 PDT

Six young people from Portugal have filed an unprecedented climate change lawsuit against almost all of Europe, targeting 33 European nations for failing to take adequate action on the climate cris...
onSep 2, 2020 @ 11:39 PDT

The lawsuit seeks to recover costs associated with climate impacts like extreme flooding and sea level rise.

The lawsuit seeks to recover costs associated with climate impacts like extreme flooding and sea level rise.
onAug 28, 2020 @ 12:14 PDT

As blistering wildfires and a monstrous hurricane fueled by rising temperatures ravage the U.S., Senate Democrats this week released their action plan for combating the climate crisis and building ...
onAug 19, 2020 @ 17:18 PDT

Advocates for holding fossil fuel companies accountable in court for the substantial costs of climate change are urging New Jersey to sue oil majors like ExxonMobil, as over a dozen municipal and s...
onJul 31, 2020 @ 07:25 PDT

The Supreme Court of Ireland has ruled in favour of an environmental group challenging the Irish governmentโ€™s climate plans, finding its policies did not meet legal requirements for detailing how t...
onJul 7, 2020 @ 11:03 PDT

Climate litigation is not going away any timeย soon. Lawsuits demanding accountability and action on the existential threat of climate change continue to take hold across the world with some signif...
onJun 30, 2020 @ 18:04 PDT

On Tuesday, June 30, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives,ย led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis,ย released a comprehensive action plan for...
onJun 25, 2020 @ 11:01 PDT

Washington, D.C. is suing the four largest investor-owned oil and gas companies โ€”ย BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell โ€” for allegedly misleading consumers about climate change, including historicall...
onJun 24, 2020 @ 13:38 PDT

Minnesota has officially joined the climate accountability movement with the announcement on Wednesday, June 24 of a groundbreaking lawsuit against fossil fuel behemoths such asย ExxonMobil and Koch...
onMay 20, 2020 @ 16:48 PDT

ExxonMobilย is facing yet another lawsuitย challenging the corporationโ€™s allegedly deceptive behavior related toย climate change. The latest suit, filed May 15 in the D.C. Superior Court, claims the o...
onDec 4, 2019 @ 08:54 PST

Environmental lawyers have made a formal complaint against oil giant BP, claiming its latest advertising campaign is misleading consumers about its commitment to tackling climate change. The ...
onJul 15, 2019 @ 14:12 PDT

Originally published on Climate Liability News. Climate change-related lawsuits, once mostly limited to the U.S., have now been filed in nearly 30 countries, targeting governments and corporate po...