stock photo aerial shot of neighborhood with solar panels

Failure to account for human rights can lead to community opposition, protests, negative media coverage, litigation and investor pressure. In addition to the harmful effects on people, there are also considerable implications for governments and the private sector in overlooking human rights in energy transition projects.

Implications for governments and the private sector The renewable energy sector is associated with various human rights violations, including land-grabbing, forced displacement, child labour, poor working conditions, restrictions on collective bargaining and workplace organizing, increased inequality, adverse effects on food, health and water resources, loss of self-determination for indigenous peoples, and the destruction of sacred sites.īetween 20, the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre recorded more than 200 allegations of adverse human rights impacts linked to renewable energy projects, with 44 per cent attributed to the wind and solar sectors. Indigenous peoples are disproportionately impacted as much of the world’s non-commercially exploited land and sources of renewable energy are found in or around their territories. While the transition to renewables has delivered climate-related benefits and can empower indigenous peoples and local communities, it also poses significant risks to human rights. However, as the renewable energy sector rapidly expands, it is imperative to ensure that human rights are taken into account. The transition to renewable energy is a crucial component of this response, offering a pathway to achieve net-zero emissions.

The climate crisis and its far-reaching impacts on humans and ecosystems require an effective and progressive response.

Stock photo aerial shot of neighborhood with solar panels