Thread by @WarOnWant

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

UK oil and gas company Rockhopper has just successfully sued the Italian state for over €190 million plus (substantial) interest — over Italy's decision to protect its environment and its people by banning Rockhoppers' fracking project.

📺Here's how. 1/6

The case was made possible by the #EnergyCharterTreaty (ECT) which allows corporations to sue countries in secretive tribunals (ISDS) over policy decisions that affect their current, and projected future, profits. 2/6

The case came after the local community in Abruzzo, Italy, ran a successful grassroots campaign to stop the construction of Rockhopper’s planned oil rig off the coast, that would have devastated their homes and livelihoods. 3/6

Now, Rockhopper has been granted €190 million in damages despite having only invested around €28 million, and the fact that Italy has already left the ECT.

Rockhopper didn’t even spend its own money bringing the case — it was funded by speculative third party funders. 4/6

This is a dangerous legal precedent that will encourage other polluters, and speculators, to take similar cases against countries trying to prevent climate breakdown.

These huge payouts are also diverting public funds from crucial spending like health and social care. 5/6

By November 22, countries must decide whether or not to abandon the destructive Energy Charter Treaty — that made this case possible.

We have to end it.

Join us, call on the UK to withdraw from the ECT and, drop ISDS from all our trade deals. 6/6
secure.waronwant.org/page/81091/pet…