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LA Residents Say Fossil Fuel Industry Needs to ‘Pay Up’ for Damage From Wildfires

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20 Jan, 2025

This post was originally published on Eco Watch

Survivors of the deadly Los Angeles wildfires are calling for lawsuits and policies to hold those most responsible for global climate disasters accountable, reported The Guardian.

Increasing evidence shows that oil and gas companies have known for decades that fossil fuels are the cause of global heating, but they have continued to market their products while spreading doubt about climate change.

“It is hard to properly express how much was lost,” said Palisades resident Danielle Havanas, whose home was destroyed by last week’s fire, as The Guardian reported. “How do you communicate the value of your deceased mom’s journal from 1981 when she was pregnant with you?”

University of California, Los Angeles, climate scientists have already concluded that the climate crisis was most likely the cause of a quarter of the dry conditions that fueled the rapid spread of the fires.

The Palisades section of Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles, California on Jan. 12, 2025. Qian Weizhong / VCG via Getty Images

“[I]t should not continuously fall in us to address the consequences of big oil’s negligence,” said Altadena neighborhood resident Sam James, whose grandfather lost his home in the Eaton fire. “They must take responsibility for the harm that they’ve caused, pay reparations to the affected communities who lost their homes and businesses, and take immediate steps to mitigate further damage.”

California and other states, along with some cities, have brought lawsuits to hold big oil accountable and force them to foot the bill for damages.

“We’re already paying for big oil’s climate destruction, not just with money, but with our lives, so that’s why we need our own climate superfund bill,” said Clara Vondrich, senior policy counsel at nonprofit Public Citizen, of a new version of legislation originally considered by California last year.

On Thursday morning, dozens of climate activists with Sunrise Movement LA protested outside a Phillips 66 oil facility, while 16 demonstrators stormed the Lubricant Terminal’s office building, reported the Los Angeles Times.

Sunrise Movement LA is demanding that oil companies “pay up” to help with wildfire relief and support the state’s clean energy transition.

“Fossil fuel CEOs are responsible for the destruction that is happening right now in Los Angeles,” said 18-year-old Simon Aron, a volunteer with Sunrise Movement and action lead for the protest, as the Los Angeles Times reported. “They are responsible for the fact that me and my neighbors had to evacuate our homes, that we still can’t drink our water.”

Police escorted some of the demonstrators out, but no arrests were made.

“The group that was inside decided to step out,” said Kidus Girma, Sunrise Movement national organizer, as reported by The Los Angeles Times. “The plan is to continue holding space and seeing if other possible occupations begin in the state.”

Sunrise Movement LA planned to keep protesting at the facility through Thursday, until their demands were met or the CEO of Phillips 66 agreed to meet with them.

According to fire experts, Southern California wildfires are becoming more destructive for multiple reasons, including increased development in high-risk areas, as well as a “feedback loop” where native plants don’t have enough time to regrow between fires, which opens the land for more flammable, fast-growing invasive vegetation to spring up.

Following the Eaton and Palisades fires, bipartisan leaders criticized city officials for problems with water pressure and lack of preparedness.

At least 25 people have died in the fires, which left 23 still missing, burned over 27,000 acres and are not yet 100 percent contained.

The post LA Residents Say Fossil Fuel Industry Needs to ‘Pay Up’ for Damage From Wildfires appeared first on EcoWatch.

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Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks has become essential as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability. IT operations contribute significantly to carbon emissions, energy consumption and electronic waste (e-waste). Organisations that embed environmental responsibility into their IT governance can reduce their ecological footprint, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their brand reputation.

Erica Smith, chief alliance officer and environmental, social and governance lead, Blue Connections IT, said, “Environmental stewardship supports financial performance, risk mitigation and brand differentiation. With rising energy costs, increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and growing pressure from investors and regulators, companies can no longer afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities.

“Poor sustainability practices in IT can lead to high operational costs, supply chain risks and reputational damage. Conversely, a proactive approach improves efficiency, attracts environmentally conscious customers and helps future-proof businesses against evolving policy and regulatory changes.

“Integrating environmental responsibility into IT governance integrates sustainability initiatives into decision-making systematically. Organisations can reduce waste, lower energy consumption and extend the lifecycle of technology assets while positioning themselves as responsible leaders in an increasingly climate-aware market.”

There are four key areas that present opportunities to embed environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks.

1. Device lifecycle management

A structured approach to managing the lifecycle of IT assets ensures devices are deployed efficiently, maintained properly and retired responsibly at the end of their useful life. Embracing a circular economy model, where equipment is refurbished, reused or ethically recycled, can significantly reduce e-waste and resource use. Companies that adopt this approach lower their environmental impact and unlock financial value by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.

Smith said, “Effective asset recovery strategies further support sustainability efforts. Integrating secure data erasure and refurbishment into IT governance policies lets businesses repurpose functional devices within the organisation or resell them to external buyers. Responsible e-waste recycling also supports companies to process materials ethically in instances where resale is not viable, reducing landfill contributions and preventing environmental contamination. The adoption of industry-certified data sanitisation methods also safeguards compliance with security and privacy regulations.”

2. Sustainable procurement

IT governance frameworks should prioritise the selection of technology vendors and partners committed to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design. This includes favouring IT hardware with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials and using minimal packaging. Additionally, employing Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) models optimises IT asset utilisation while reducing upfront investment and unnecessary hardware purchases.

Partnerships with sustainability-driven IT service providers can further enhance an organisation’s environmental impact. Working with partners that offer end-to-end IT asset management solutions, encompassing secure device deployment, certified data sanitisation and ethical recycling, simplifies the process of aligning IT operations with sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise environmental stewardship in their IT governance framework gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices.

3. Energy consumption

Data centres, cloud services and enterprise networks require substantial energy resources, making green IT practices essential. IT governance frameworks should include policies to reduce consumption by optimising server efficiency, reducing redundant infrastructure and using renewable energy sources. Cloud providers with strong sustainability credentials can support carbon reduction initiatives, while virtualisation strategies can consolidate workloads and improve overall energy efficiency.

4. Employee engagement

Educating staff on sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient device usage and responsible e-waste disposal, creates a culture of accountability. Organisations that implement green workplace initiatives, such as responsible end-of-life disposal programs, reinforce their commitment to sustainability at all levels.

“IT governance must also align with corporate environmental, social and governance commitments. Companies can contribute to broader sustainability objectives by embedding environmental stewardship into IT policies, such as net-zero emissions targets and responsible supply chain management. Clear reporting mechanisms and regular sustainability audits aid transparency, letting businesses track their progress and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders,” Smith said.

Government regulations and evolving industry standards are increasingly shaping the sustainability expectations for organisations. Aligning IT governance frameworks with best practices for environmental stewardship keeps companies ahead of regulatory requirements. Proactive adoption of sustainable IT practices positions businesses as industry leaders in environmental responsibility.

Smith said, “Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks is not just about meeting compliance obligations; it’s about futureproofing company operations and prioritising the broader environment. Taking a proactive approach to sustainability lets organisations drive efficiency, reduce long-term costs and contribute to a healthier planet. Businesses that lead in sustainable IT governance will be well-positioned for long-term success as environmental concerns continue to shape consumer and corporate priorities.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Petmal

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