[12] Another offense that FFCs could be charged with for substantially generating and fraudulently covering up the climate crisis is reckless endangerment. Though this memo asks a particular question—how officials in New York City could pursue reckless endangerment charges related to climate change—its analysis is relevant in all jurisdictions that have reckless endangerment statutes and have experienced climate disasters. Part IV.A discusses why, because reckless endangerment can be charged as a continuing offense, statutes of limitations are likely not a major concern. Part IV.D examines in more detail the differences between reckless endangerment in the second and first degrees. § 707-713, Reckless endangering in the first degree; 720 ILCS 5/12-5, Reckless conduct; Ind.
