METHODOLOGy

The 2024 Climate Criminals Top 24 list was selected from a vigorous nomination and research process. Our team of researchers, academics, and climate justice experts reviewed over 300 individuals engaged in deflection, denial, and delay. We solicited recommendations and nominations from dozens of organizations and activists in the field, compiling a list of over 300 individuals. These organizations include the Global Center for Climate Justice, Climate Defiance, Summer of Heat, Climate Clock, Greenpeace, Institute for Policy Studies, Center for Media and Democracy, and many others.

For 2024, we focused on North American climate criminals. Our panel of judges and advisors identified 40 finalists for their 2023-2024 actions in fostering climate denial, sowing doubt, blocking alternatives, and using their wealth, power, and position to delay action and run out the clock.  We focused on people where there were “Active Crimes in Progress”: individuals leading the construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure and actively lobbying against green energy and climate mitigation legislation.

We looked at their relationships to different sectors within the polluter industrial complex, (in)actions to address climate change, and public statements. We examined the exact role they play in the overall architecture of carbon capital by determining what part of the fossil fuel commodity chain they are connected to – do they extract? Finance? Transport? Distribute? Advertise? Celebrate? 

Then we charged them with climate crimes: What crimes are they committing against the Earth and future generations through their contribution to carbon emissions, deforestation, or pollution? Are they guilty of “money laundering” by directly financing fossil fuel projects or receiving money from fossil fuel companies? Are they guilty of “bribery” in the form of political influence or destructive grantmaking? Have they committed crimes against environmental justice communities or workers? Are they engaged in fraud through spreading disinformation or greenwashing? 

Many individuals on our list of climate criminals have been called out by the climate movement before, so we’ve also cataloged how and when activists have confronted and criticized these bad actors. Have they been interrupted on their way to deliver a commencement address? Protested at a company gala? Called out by another accountability campaign? We want to uplift how hard our movement is working to hold these climate criminals accountable.

We strive to be accurate in our reporting, but we inevitably might have made some mistakes. Please help us strengthen our work and alert us to any errors or important missing information. Email us directly at info@climatecriminals.org.