Ecuador court orders Chevron to pay in historic environmental lawsuit
Finally – for the first time ever a large multi-national corporation is being held accountable for terrible environmental practices in a developing country. The long legal battle between Ecuadorians and Chevron corporation has ended with the court ordering Chevron to pay $8.64 Billion.
This is a game changer. Now corporations across the globe know that they can and will be held accountable for their activities and its effect on the environment. The impact of this cannot be under-estimated. Corporations will now mitigate risks and impacts on the ecosystems in which they operate. They will now think twice before they make choices to save money that are more detrimental to the environment, as it may cost them in the long run.
If you want to help support the cause, considering buying my book, Slick Revenge – a fictional novel which I wrote to raise awareness about this issue - a portion of each book sold will go to Amazon Watch. Buy one today!
But I have more to say about the case:
I don’t doubt that Chevron will appeal the decision and continue down the path of doing everything in its power to avoid paying this debt to the Ecuadorian people, as they have demonstrated this despicable denial of responsibility for years – everywhere they operate.
I also believe that corporations should be held to the same high level of environmental, and social standards all around the world no matter what country they operate in. I also believe that it is essential for international organizations like the WTO and similar entities that promote free trade and reinforce the growing power of corporations to be the ones who must enforce these standards. If they don’t, who will?
Maybe I’m a dreamer – I know. But I do know that this week’s decision in a small town in the Amazon jungle has huge positive ramifications for the planet and our future – and for this tree hugger, that’s a dream come true!!
