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Big Oil could face murder charges over extreme-heat deaths
Advocates push for criminal prosecution of fossil fuel companies, citing over 400 heat-related deaths in Arizona.
In short:
- The consumer advocacy nonprofit Public Citizen released a model prosecution memo urging criminal charges against major oil companies for heat-related deaths.
- The memo targets nine companies, arguing their actions contribute to climate change and extreme weather.
- Legal experts say 403 deaths from Maricopa County's heat wave meet criteria for reckless manslaughter or second-degree murder.
Key quote:
"These climate disasters are the specific result of decisions and actions that were made by particular actors (...)These heat deaths might be more than just tragedies, but actually crimes."
— Aaron Regunberg, senior policy counsel, Public Citizen and co-author of the memo.
Why this matters:
Extreme heat waves are becoming deadlier due to climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions. The push for legal action highlights a growing frustration among environmental and health advocates who argue that fossil fuel companies have long known about the impacts of their activities on the climate.
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