causation
/kɔːˈzeɪʃən/
Definition
The legal principle of establishing a direct, verifiable link between a company's specific actions or business operations and the resulting environmental harm.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'causatio,' meaning 'a causing or providing of a reason.' It entered Middle English through Old French, maintaining its focus on the action of producing an effect or consequence.
In the news
The article highlights that claimants struggle to hold companies accountable because they must prove a clear link of causation between corporate activities and climate impacts. Establishing this causal connection is essential for courts to assign legal liability and order emissions reductions.
Scope 3 on Trial: What it Means For Corporate Climate Accountability
Read the full article ↗The Equation - Union of Concerned Scientists