Washington, D.C. (January 10, 2025)—In response to the current wildfires in Los Angeles County, Zach Norris, Greenpeace USA California Climate Director said: “What we’re seeing in Los Angeles is not just a tragedy—it’s a warning. These wildfires, driven by fierce winds and drought, are just the beginning for our planet in a climate emergency. They are growing uncontrollably because of Big Oil’s unchecked emissions, which continue to accelerate climate change.
“Communities in California are paying the ultimate price while corporations rake in record profits. Every year, the state spends billions on wildfire recovery, while the insurance market teeters on the edge of collapse as private insurers face skyrocketing damages from fires and other climate disasters. It’s time for the corporations responsible for this destruction to be held accountable and pay for their mess. That’s why California is considering a new bill that would help pay for wildfire and other damages by making the biggest corporate polluters—the ones responsible for the climate crisis—fund recovery efforts. With similar laws already enacted in New York and Vermont, California’s Polluter Pays Climate Superfund would require these companies to pay for the damage their fossil fuel emissions have caused, providing critical resources for communities impacted by extreme weather events like these.
“We are heading into a future marked by ever-more frequent and severe disasters unless we shift course now. The people suffering from these fires should not bear the full burden—it’s the polluters who should pay for the harm they’ve inflicted on our climate and our communities.”
Contact: Gigi Singh, Communications Manager at Greenpeace USA
(+1) 631-404-9977, [email protected]
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
