Court Backs Exxon Mobil

Everyone is well aware of how little the American government cares about the environment. It comes as little surprise to discover that, once again, a giant corporation has escaped the hand of justice. Climate change deniers Exxon Mobil will be patting themselves on the back today with the news that the damages due after the Valdez disaster, have been cut in half.

According to the BBC, Exxon have had their damages cut from $4.5bn (£2.3bn) to $2.5bn (£1.3bn), saying the previous decision had been 'excessive'. Unbelievably, this is the third time that the damages have been reduced. Originally, the damages were set at $5bn. It just goes to show, when you are a friend to the White House, you can get away with just about anything. In case you have forgotten the damage caused by the disaster, it is estimated to have killed:

250,000 seabirds, 2,800 sea otters, 300 harbour seals, 250 bald eagles, up to 22 killer whales, and an unknown number of salmon and herring.

Not to mention the unseen damage caused by such a disaster. This is the danger of living in a world where corporations can so easily escape justice. They can continue to destroy the planet as long as they are 'creating wealth' and driving the economy. Any other consideration is secondary.