COMMERCIAL lawyers are “contributing to the climate crisis” by defending fossil fuel clients, a group of 170 prominent lawyers have warned in an open letter. 

The letter urges lawyers to be “part of the solution” to the climate crisis rather than contribute to it by advising and defending City firms on investment deals in fossil fuel projects.

The signatories — which include 17 King’s Council — warn that these actions “actively undermine the international community’s commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”