Amnesty International has released a report highlighting fossil fuel infrastructure as a significant source of human rights abuses worldwide. The organization warns that the expansion of such infrastructure poses risks to billions and calls on global leaders to reconsider their reliance on fossil fuels, which are exacerbating the climate crisis.
The report indicates that over 2 billion people live within 5 kilometers of more than 18,000 operational fossil fuel sites, with an additional 3,500 facilities in development, affecting 135 million more people. Amnesty notes the health risks associated with proximity to these sites, including increased rates of cancer and respiratory diseases, and links the industry to human rights violations against activists and indigenous populations.
Executive Director Agnes Callamard stressed the urgency to phase out fossil fuels, warning of their devastating impacts on current and future generations. As delegates gather for COP30 in Brazil, there are growing calls for concrete actions to phase out fossil fuel dependency. A recent UN survey revealed that over 80% of people want strong climate action, with 72% favoring a quick transition away from fossil fuels.
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