Supreme Court hears climate change lawsuit

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Oct. 5 in a lawsuit brought by officials in Boulder, Colorado, against Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy. The lawsuit, filed nearly a decade ago, alleges the oil companies are responsible for climate change impacts in Colorado, including rising temperatures and increased wildfire risks.

The companies argue the case should be dismissed because it was filed in state courts instead of federal courts. Dan Misleh, founder and executive director of the Catholic Climate Covenant, described the case as difficult due to the world's continued dependence on fossil fuels despite scientific knowledge regarding global warming. Misleh noted that the arguments involve Catholic moral principles such as the common good, subsidiarity, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor.