Honolulu Advances Climate Change Lawsuit Against Oil Giants

Honolulu has initiated a landmark legal battle against major fossil fuel companies, including ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron, alleging that their products contribute significantly to climate change. The city argues these companies have known for decades about the harmful effects of fossil fuels on the environment. A crucial hearing is set for March 15, 2024, which will assess the viability of this lawsuit and its implications for similar cases nationwide.

The lawsuit, filed in 2020, claims that these oil companies profited from their products while misleading the public about their role in climate change. Honolulu’s legal team contends that the companies are responsible for rising sea levels that threaten the island of Oahu’s coastline. Moreover, they warn of increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes, heatwaves, and other extreme weather events, as well as the degradation of marine ecosystems that attract tourists.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, but the defense aims to have it dismissed, arguing that the statute of limitations has expired. Their motion asserts that the issues surrounding climate change have been widely discussed and documented for decades, suggesting that Honolulu should have acted sooner. A spokesperson for Shell emphasized that the public has been aware of climate change for over fifty years, calling the plaintiffs’ claims “simply not credible.”

Legal Landscape and Broader Implications

Honolulu’s case is notable for being further along than approximately 30 similar lawsuits filed by various states and municipalities across the United States. Legal expert Michael Gerrard, founder of the Columbia University Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, highlighted the significance of this hearing. He noted that the outcome could attract considerable attention, as this would mark the first time oil companies face trial in a case of this nature.

This progress is partly due to the Hawaii Supreme Court’s previous rulings that allowed the lawsuit to move forward, as well as a refusal by the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. In contrast, a related lawsuit from Maui County, which was prompted by devastating wildfires, remains stalled. Hawaii’s state government has also initiated its own legal actions against fossil fuel companies, even as the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Hawaii and Michigan, claiming their climate litigation conflicts with federal authority.

Expert Opinions and Public Reaction

The lawsuit has garnered attention from academics and environmental advocates. Notably, Naomi Oreskes, a professor of the history of science at Harvard University, submitted a declaration opposing the defendants’ motion for summary judgment. Oreskes drew parallels between the tactics used by the fossil fuel industry and those of the tobacco industry, alleging that fossil fuel companies have engaged in coordinated efforts to sow doubt about climate change and hinder regulatory action.

In a related case last year, a group of young activists settled with Hawaii’s transportation department, agreeing to ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across transportation modes by 2045. This precedent may influence public sentiment and legal strategies in ongoing and future climate litigation.

As Honolulu’s lawsuit unfolds, it stands as a pivotal moment in the broader fight against climate change and corporate accountability. The upcoming hearing will not only shape the future of this particular case but could set a significant precedent for similar actions across the globe.