Killer beetles, tinderbox forests: Climate change costs center stage at Supreme Court

Boulder, Colorado is preparing to sue oil companies for damages caused by climate change, specifically the outbreak of mountain pine beetles that threaten the region's iconic forests. These trees, which have lined ski slopes and residential areas, are under significant stress from heat and drought, making them susceptible to the beetles' attack. Once infested, a tree is likely to die, leading to the term "zombie forests" for those appearing healthy but under existential threats.

The Colorado State University forest ecologist, Sarah Hart, notes that there are no effective strategies to prevent the beetles' destruction in large landscapes. She likens the situation to attacking a bank without security, as the trees have little defense against the beetles due to climate-induced stress.

The City of Boulder and Boulder County sued Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy in 2018, alleging that the companies knowingly contributed to climate change by promoting fossil fuels while concealing the dangers, including the impact on forests. Exxon and Suncor argue that local harms cannot be attributed to individual companies and are asking the Supreme Court to dismiss the case.

Boulder officials have spent millions on climate-related infrastructure improvements, such as road repairs, storm drainage, and utility upgrades. They argue that climate change is accelerating the need for these costly measures. Paul Chinowsky, a longtime resident and civil engineer, believes the oil companies should contribute to the damages but acknowledges that fossil fuels are essential for daily life.

Boulder and Boulder County have highlighted the direct costs of climate change, including increased air conditioning costs and slow-downs in outdoor work due to heat exposure. The pine beetle outbreak is expected to be worse than the 2000s, affecting areas prone to wildfires. State foresters are clearing beetle-killed trees from around residential areas at a cost of $10,000 per acre.

Supporters of the lawsuit hope it will bring more accountability and funding to protect Colorado's forests and the communities that depend on them.