Big Oil Blamed for Heat Wave Linked to Woman’s Tragic Death in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A woman in Washington State is suing several big oil and gas companies. She claims they played a part in her mother’s death during a heat wave caused by climate change. This case marks one of the first wrongful-death lawsuits against fossil fuel companies for their impact on global warming.

The lawsuit alleges these companies were aware of the dangers their products posed to the climate. Specifically, the suit ties her mother’s death to a sweltering 108°F day in June 2021, which was the hottest recorded in the state. Her mother, 65-year-old Juliana Leon, died of hyperthermia after her car’s air conditioning failed during her drive home.

The lawsuit names major companies like Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Shell, and BP. Some of these companies declined to comment, while others didn’t respond.

Documents filed in court show that these companies have known about the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels for decades. For instance, by 1968, they understood that their actions could lead to more extreme weather events and loss of life due to climate change.

In a peer-reviewed study, climate scientists stated the 2021 heat wave was "virtually impossible" without human-caused climate change. Research has increasingly shown that such extreme weather events are linked to carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels.

Korey Silverman-Roati, a climate expert from Columbia Law School, noted that this case could help people understand the real-world effects of climate change. It may clarify how company actions can have deadly consequences.

While lawsuit attempts against fossil fuel companies are not new, this case is unique in its focus on individual accountability. Pacific Northwest states like Hawaii and Michigan have taken legal action against these industries, though many efforts have met resistance.

Richard Wiles, president of the Center for Climate Integrity, stated that major oil firms have known for years that their products could lead to disasters. Yet, they failed to adequately warn the public or change their practices.

This lawsuit could set a significant legal precedent in holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their impact on climate change and human lives.

For more information on climate issues and ongoing legal actions, you can check out AP News.

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Richard Wiles,environment,Climate,Korey Silverman-Roati,Business