What Happened
A French court has ruled that oil major TotalEnergies must take responsibility for the full scope of its greenhouse gas emissions, including those from customers' use of its products. This decision marks the first time a French multinational corporation has been held liable under the country's landmark duty of vigilance law for failing to meet its climate-related obligations.
Meanwhile, Europe is experiencing record-breaking heatwaves, with temperature records toppling in multiple countries. A rapid-response attribution study has concluded that climate change is "unequivocally to blame" for the scorching temperatures, which would have been "virtually impossible" 50 years ago.
Why It Matters
The ruling against TotalEnergies sets a significant precedent for corporate accountability on climate change. As the world grapples with the challenges of global warming, governments and corporations are being held to account for their actions.
Economist Mariana Mazzucato argues that governments must "get back their mojo" and believe they can change the world. She advocates for a new economic vision that prioritizes the common good and avoids rigid fiscal rules that defeat their own purpose by strangling public investment.
What Experts Say
"If there's no purpose or direction, then what the hell are we doing?" — Mariana Mazzucato, Economist
Key Numbers
- **50 years: The timeframe in which the current heatwaves would have been "virtually impossible".
Background
The Rio Grande, which runs through Albuquerque, New Mexico, is already running dry due to prolonged drought and climate change. A new book, "Ribbons of Green: The Rio Grande and the Making of Modern Albuquerque", explores the history of the river and its management.
What Comes Next
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, governments and corporations will be held to account for their actions. The ruling against TotalEnergies sets a significant precedent for corporate accountability, while economists and experts call for a new economic vision that prioritizes the common good.
Key Facts
- Impact: Sets a significant precedent for corporate accountability on climate change
What to Watch
As the world continues to experience the impacts of climate change, governments and corporations will be under increasing pressure to take action. The ruling against TotalEnergies is a significant step towards corporate accountability, but more needs to be done to address the scale and urgency of the climate crisis.
What Happened
A French court has ruled that oil major TotalEnergies must take responsibility for the full scope of its greenhouse gas emissions, including those from customers' use of its products. This decision marks the first time a French multinational corporation has been held liable under the country's landmark duty of vigilance law for failing to meet its climate-related obligations.
Meanwhile, Europe is experiencing record-breaking heatwaves, with temperature records toppling in multiple countries. A rapid-response attribution study has concluded that climate change is "unequivocally to blame" for the scorching temperatures, which would have been "virtually impossible" 50 years ago.
Why It Matters
The ruling against TotalEnergies sets a significant precedent for corporate accountability on climate change. As the world grapples with the challenges of global warming, governments and corporations are being held to account for their actions.
Economist Mariana Mazzucato argues that governments must "get back their mojo" and believe they can change the world. She advocates for a new economic vision that prioritizes the common good and avoids rigid fiscal rules that defeat their own purpose by strangling public investment.
What Experts Say
"If there's no purpose or direction, then what the hell are we doing?" — Mariana Mazzucato, Economist
Key Numbers
- **50 years: The timeframe in which the current heatwaves would have been "virtually impossible".
Background
The Rio Grande, which runs through Albuquerque, New Mexico, is already running dry due to prolonged drought and climate change. A new book, "Ribbons of Green: The Rio Grande and the Making of Modern Albuquerque", explores the history of the river and its management.
What Comes Next
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, governments and corporations will be held to account for their actions. The ruling against TotalEnergies sets a significant precedent for corporate accountability, while economists and experts call for a new economic vision that prioritizes the common good.
Key Facts
- Impact: Sets a significant precedent for corporate accountability on climate change
What to Watch
As the world continues to experience the impacts of climate change, governments and corporations will be under increasing pressure to take action. The ruling against TotalEnergies is a significant step towards corporate accountability, but more needs to be done to address the scale and urgency of the climate crisis.