Ben & Jerry's vs. Darth Vader, pt 1

For the first time anywhere, a law will make carbon polluters financially liable for climate damage.

Here is part 1, about Vermont's groundbreaking Climate Superfund Bill. With independent climate journalist Dana Drugmand and climate litigation expert Nigel Brook, the discussion explores the implications of this pioneering legislation, its potential impact on fossil fuel companies, and the broader context of climate litigation globally.

Dana Drugmand

Vermont’s Climate Superfund Bill

- Grassroots advocacy and the Make Big Oil Pay campaign.

- Impact of the 2023 Vermont floods on the bill's momentum.

Climate Attribution Science

- Differentiation between event attribution and source attribution.

- The role of key studies like the Carbon Majors report in linking emissions to specific companies.

Legal Challenges and Future Outlook

- Anticipated legal battles and possible federal court involvement.

- Speculations on the bill’s impact if passed and potential ripple effects globally.

Nigel Brook

European Court of Human Rights - Klimaseniorren

- Discussion on the ECHR ruling against the Swiss government for inadequate climate protection.

- Nigel explains its significance and potential for inspiring similar cases in Europe and globally.

ClientEarth Case and Potential for Future Litigation

- Analysis of the ClientEarth case in English courts and its implications.

- Speculation on how new precedents might affect future climate litigation efforts.

Vermont’s Climate Superfund Bill’s Global Impact

- Discussion on how Vermont’s Climate Superfund Bill might influence global climate accountability efforts.

- Potential parallels with existing U.S. lawsuits against oil majors.

Tobacco Litigation Parallel and Future of Climate Accountability

- Comparison of climate litigation to past tobacco lawsuits.

- Potential outcomes if the Vermont bill sets a precedent.

Guests:

- Dana Drugman - Independent climate journalist, founder of One Earth Now and expert on climate litigation and policy.

- Nigel Brook - Consultant with Clyde & Co., specialising in climate risk and litigation.

Connect

- LinkedIn

- BlueSky

info@wickedproblems.uk

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