Small Town, Big Fight: Carrboro Sues Duke Energy Over Climate Change

In a bold move, the small town of Carrboro, North Carolina, is suing Duke Energy, one of the largest utility companies in the world, for its alleged role in exacerbating climate change. The lawsuit marks a growing trend of communities seeking legal accountability from corporations whose operations significantly contribute to global warming.

Carrboro Takes a Stand

Carrboro, with a population of approximately 21,000, has filed a complaint in North Carolina state court. The town accuses Duke Energy of contributing to the climate crisis through its greenhouse gas emissions and misleading the public about its environmental practices. According to data from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Duke Energy ranks as the third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the United States. CO2, alongside methane and other greenhouse gases, is a primary driver of global warming, primarily released from fossil fuel combustion.

The complaint, led by Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee, demands monetary compensation for the economic damages the town has incurred and anticipates due to climate change. These include the costs of repairing infrastructure damaged by extreme weather events, managing rising temperatures, and addressing flooding caused by more frequent and severe storms.

The Warming Reality in North Carolina

Carrboro’s lawsuit highlights the alarming impacts of climate change on the state. According to the town’s complaint, North Carolina experienced its hottest year in 2023, with projections indicating regional temperatures could rise between 6°F and 10°F by the end of the century. The complaint underscores the following climate realities:

• Heat Waves: Within the next decade, Carrboro expects temperatures above 90°F for more than 10 weeks annually.
• Severe Weather: The town points to intensifying storms, such as Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage in western parts of the state.
• Infrastructure Strain: Carrboro is already experiencing rising costs for road repairs, stormwater management, and cooling its public buildings.

A Nationwide Legal Trend

Carrboro’s lawsuit reflects a broader movement of communities holding corporations accountable for their role in climate change. For example:

• In Vermont, the state passed legislation requiring oil companies to compensate for damages linked to climate change.
• Chicago and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, have filed lawsuits over greenhouse gas emissions, while California and Kansas have targeted companies over plastic pollution.

These lawsuits aim to push major corporations, including utility providers like Duke Energy, to bear financial responsibility for their actions’ environmental and economic costs. Carrboro’s case could set an important precedent for other municipalities impacted by climate change.

The Accusations Against Duke Energy

The complaint accuses Duke of a decades-long campaign to mislead the public about the dangers of fossil fuel emissions. Carrboro alleges:

1. Deceptive Greenwashing: Duke falsely presented itself as a leader in renewable energy while heavily investing in coal and natural gas, two significant sources of greenhouse gases.
2. Contribution to Global Warming: Duke’s CO2 emissions in 2021 totaled nearly 80 million metric tons, ranking third among U.S. corporations.
3. Delayed Transition: Duke allegedly slowed the shift toward truly renewable energy by promoting unproven solutions like carbon capture and hydrogen-capable natural gas plants.

Carrboro’s filing asserts that Duke’s actions have worsened climate impacts, delaying critical transitions to cleaner energy sources and increasing the severity of the climate crisis.

Holding Emitters Accountable

Carrboro’s lawsuit is part of a growing effort to hold major emitters accountable and highlight the disproportionate burden on local communities to address climate change. As lawsuits against corporations like Duke Energy and oil companies gain traction nationwide, they reflect a broader demand for justice and transparency in addressing the climate emergency.

This case is not just about one small town—it’s a battle for accountability that could reshape how corporations approach their environmental responsibilities. As Carrboro seeks restitution for the damages it faces today and in the future, its efforts could inspire other municipalities to stand up against the giants contributing to the global climate crisis.