For decades, Exxon has known its business practices were driving climate change and instead of sounding the alarm, it used every tool at its disposal to mislead the public, defraud its own shareholders and block just climate policy. People have already found Exxon guilty, but as New York Attorney General Letitia James begins opening arguments, Exxon is officially on trial.
Just like Exxon knew what the future held for our planet, we know what the future holds for it. In the 1990’s, lawsuits and investigations advanced by state attorneys general held Big Tobacco liable for its abuses and made way for a new era of public health policy around the world. Now, people, cities, states and potentially entire nations are calling for Big Polluters like Exxon Mobil to be held to account.
This is Big Oil’s Big Tobacco moment. And a warning for Big Polluters across the globe and the industries that continue to enable them in fueling the climate crisis. Their days are numbered and it’s time to Make Them Pay.
We support and applaud New York AG James in leading this fight. Time and time again we see Black women trail blaze and carry the burdens in social justice movements. It’s time for people in the U.S. and around the world to stand with courageous leaders like AG James and demand true climate leadership of all our government officials.
