Kivalina v. ExxonMobil

An Alaskan Inupiat village of about 400 residents sued 24 large energy and fossil fuel companies, seeking money to relocate their village which was threatened by rising seas, reduced sea ice, and thawing permafrost. The costs of relocated were estimated between $95 and $400 million.

The case was ultimately dismissed in federal district court.

Ruling
In dismissing the case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, the court held that the question of how best to address climate change was a political question not appropriate for a federal trial court to decide. The court also held that the plaintiffs could not demonstrate that the companies had caused them injury.

Links

 * NATIVE VILLAGE OF KIVALINA v. EXXONMOBIL
 * Sabin Center Database