What's Happening?
A new scientific study has found that 122 major oil, gas, coal, and cement companies and state-owned operations are partially responsible for the severe drought and water scarcity in the Western United States. The peer-reviewed paper, titled 'Carbon emissions
exacerbating the Western US water crisis,' published in Communications Earth & Environment, attributes a significant portion of the decline in mountain snowpacks and streamflows, as well as the increased need for agricultural irrigation, to the climate pollution generated by these entities. Specifically, the study indicates that about 40% of the 36% decline in annual average mountain snowpacks over the last 70 years is linked to these 122 companies' emissions. This annual loss is equivalent to the full capacity of Lake Mead, the nation's largest reservoir. Furthermore, global warming from greenhouse gas emissions has led to a 13% decline in average annual streamflows and a 4.3% increase in agricultural irrigation needs, with roughly half of these impacts attributed to the warming caused by these companies. The study's lead author, Emily Williams, a postdoctoral research scientist at the University of California at Merced, highlighted that the research allows for the disentanglement of general climate change impacts from those specifically caused by the emissions of these identified companies.
Why It's Important?
This study is important because it directly links the actions of specific corporations to tangible environmental and economic consequences in the Western U.S. By attributing a significant portion of the water crisis to 122 major emitters, it shifts the narrative from general climate change to corporate accountability. The Western U.S. relies heavily on mountain snowpack for its water supply, impacting its multibillion-dollar agriculture industry and the water needs of cities across 11 states. The depletion of aquifers due to increased groundwater pumping has led to land subsidence in agricultural areas, and cities like Corpus Christi, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix face severe water shortages. This research provides a scientific basis for potential legal and policy actions, such as 'climate superfund' laws being considered by states like California, which aim to make historical emitters financially responsible for climate damages. It underscores the economic burden placed on communities and states to adapt to and recover from climate impacts, while the companies contributing significantly to the problem have historically resisted action.
What's Next?
The findings of this study are likely to fuel ongoing discussions and legal challenges regarding corporate responsibility for climate change. States and cities across the U.S. are increasingly pursuing litigation against major climate polluters to secure financial resources for addressing damages from extreme weather events. The study's methodology, which attributes specific impacts to specific emitters, could strengthen these legal cases. For instance, states like New York and Vermont have already passed climate superfund laws, and others are considering similar legislation. While New York's law was recently struck down, an appeal is planned, indicating continued efforts to hold companies accountable. The Union of Concerned Scientists, whose senior research scientist Carly Phillips co-authored the study, emphasizes the need for accountability given the disproportionate contribution of these 122 companies. This research may also influence future regulatory frameworks and investment decisions, pushing for greater transparency and a shift towards more sustainable practices within the energy and industrial sectors.
Beyond the Headlines
The study delves into the ethical and historical dimensions of corporate knowledge and action regarding climate change. It highlights that engineers at ExxonMobil were aware of the potential climate impacts of fossil fuel use as early as the 1970s, yet the company, along with others, later engaged in efforts to conceal these findings and deny climate change. This historical context raises profound questions about corporate ethics, public trust, and the long-term societal costs of prioritizing short-term profits over environmental warnings. The concept of 'attribution science' is also gaining prominence, allowing scientists to pinpoint the specific sources of emissions and their consequences, which could redefine legal precedents and corporate liability in environmental law. This shift could lead to a re-evaluation of how industries operate, potentially accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources and more sustainable industrial practices, driven not just by environmental concerns but also by the increasing risk of financial and legal repercussions.
