The tide turns for fossil fuel companies: public opinion begins to hold them responsible for climate change
To reduce the disproportionate burden of climate change on the world’s poorest, the transition to a low carbon economy must be fast. Alongside market development, technological advances and political action, climate change litigation can trigger rapid carbon reduction and at the same time, reduce fossil fuel companies’ social license to operate. Philanthropy plays a key role in supporting all manner of climate change litigation, but also in raising awareness about public opinion on climate change responsibility and duty to pay for its impacts. Demonstrating a supportive public is an essential backdrop for legal decisions and increases their chances of success.
Keywords: climate change, litigation, public opinion