Short Wave Why Baltimore Is Suing Big Oil Over Climate Change
Apr 15, 2021
Rebecca Hersher, an NPR climate reporter, sheds light on Baltimore's groundbreaking lawsuit against major oil companies like BP and ExxonMobil. The city argues these giants must contribute to climate change costs, having known the risks their products posed. Hersher discusses the financial toll of climate-induced infrastructure damage faced by Baltimore, the significance of holding fossil fuel companies accountable, and the broader implications of this case for urban communities grappling with climate challenges.
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Baltimore Street Collapse
- Rebecca Hersher shows Maddie Sofia a video of a Baltimore street collapsing after heavy rain in 2014.
- The retaining wall gave way, costing over $12 million in repairs, highlighting climate change's infrastructure impact.
Climate Change Adaptation Costs
- Climate change adaptation costs are substantial, exemplified by Baltimore's street collapse.
- Cities face rising expenses for seawalls, wetland restoration, wildfire retrofits, and heatwave health costs.
Lawsuits Against Oil and Gas Companies
- Cities and states seek compensation from oil and gas companies for climate change damages.
- Over 20 lawsuits argue that these companies should share the financial burden of climate change adaptation.