Big Oil Companies Caused about 25 Percent of Heat Waves since 2000

image via New Scientist

September 11, 2025, 1:45 PM

• •Study links individual energy companies' emissions to specific heatwaves.
• •Emissions from carbon majors increased the likelihood of some 53 heatwaves by a factor of more than 10,000.
• •The research could influence lawsuits against fossil-fuel producers.
• •The study highlights the debate on the responsibility of energy companies for climate change impacts.

A new study published in Nature reveals that around 25% of heatwaves between 2000 and 2023 can be directly tied to greenhouse gas emissions from specific energy companies. Researchers found that emissions from individual carbon majors increased the likelihood and intensity of numerous heatwaves. These findings could provide crucial evidence for lawsuits seeking to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their contributions to climate change. Legal experts suggest this research adds to the growing body of evidence that can establish causal connections between emissions and climate hazards.

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