Why are big polluters not held accountable?

As Americans return to work and school, greenhouse gas emissions are back on the rise. But why do we always blame individuals for rising temperatures and harmful emissions? It's time to hold big polluters accountable.

Our planet is under great stress in the face of climate change. Communities are up in flames, towns are underwater, and too many people aren't able to breathe clean air. While it's easy to blame the effects of climate change on individual actions, we can't forget the drastic impacts big polluters have had on our environment.

The Climate Accountability Institute evaluates the impact of big oil's role in escalating climate change. In 2019, the organization found that the top 20 oil companies contributed to 35% of all energy-related carbon dioxide and methane worldwide. That is 480 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent since 1965.

If we want to make bold changes on climate change, we must hold major polluters accountable in tandem with environmental cleanup acceleration. The federal government can impose fines on polluters that violate federal laws and redirect those funds to job training and resource development needed for environmental cleanup across the country.

Individuals alone have not driven our environment to the breaking point it is at today. Call your lawmakers now and demand action, accountability, and progress.

To find out more about building a more resilient and sustainable future, read our Climate memo here.