Dec 10, 2019

Exxon prevails over New York in climate change lawsuit

Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

ExxonMobil won a closely watched fraud lawsuit filed by the New York attorney general alleging the oil giant misled investors on its handling of climate-change costs, a New York judge ruled Tuesday morning.

Why it matters: It’s a key victory for both Exxon and the sector writ large amid years of liberal politicians and environmentalists waging various legal battles trying to exact blame for climate change.

Yes, but: Don’t expect this to deter other lawsuits against Big Oil companies on the grounds of climate change, several which are still proceeding under different arguments and lawsuits.

The big picture: The Massachusetts AG recently filed a similar lawsuit and at least Democratic presidential candidates, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, have said they would pursue legal battles against big oil companies related to climate change.

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Ben Geman

The limits of Exxon's big legal victory on climate change

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

ExxonMobil notched a big win in the New York Supreme Court, but don't expect the victory to inoculate Big Oil against several other courtroom challenges over global warming.

Catch up fast: A judge ruled yesterday that the state's attorney general failed to show that the oil giant misled investors about the costs of addressing climate change. The decision called the claims "hyperbolic."

Go deeperDec 11, 2019

Amy Harder

In historic ruling, Dutch court orders nation to cut emissions

A climate activist holding a placard in front of the Supreme Court in the Netherlands, where demonstration is restricted. People from several climate organizations gathered with eyes painted on their hands symbolising 'We are watching you.' Photo: Barcroft Media / Contributor/Getty Images

The Supreme Court in the Netherlands on Friday ordered the government there to cut national greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by the end of 2020.

Why it matters: This is the first time the courts have ever forced a country to address climate change and could set a precedent for courts in other nations, including the United States, in the absence of other action.

Go deeperDec 20, 2019

Amy Harder

10 energy and climate issues to watch in 2020

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

From presidential politics to China to oil prices, here’s what I’m watching this year.

The big picture: A few key decisive moments this year will help determine whether concerns over climate change — rising since my last two annual outlook columns — will translate into action that would transform our global energy system.

Go deeperJan 6, 2020