US Should Impose Sanctions for Climate-Damaging Activities, Lawmakers Say
The Biden administration should impose sanctions on people and companies contributing to the climate crisis, especially those that are also violating human rights, lawmakers said in a Nov. 4 letter to the Treasury and State departments. The lawmakers specifically pointed to the illegal deforestation of the Amazon, which is damaging not only the climate but also indigenous peoples. Global Magnitsky sanctions could “deter” government officials, corporations and people “from causing additional harm” to the environment, the letter said.
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The U.S. has used sanctions to address other foreign policy emergencies, including cybercrime and corruption but hasn’t imposed designations “as a method of deterring reckless, climate-destroying behavior,” said the letter, signed by Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass.; Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.; Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.; and Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas. “As the effects of climate change continue to grow, we must match our actions to the magnitude and urgency of the crisis.” A State Department spokesperson declined to comment, and Treasury didn't respond to a request for comment.