A coalition of 24 rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Oxfam, and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), submitted a joint statement to the United Nations on Friday, emphasizing the critical connection between fossil fuel use and climate change. The submission calls for stronger action from states and corporations to honor their responsibilities under the polluter-pays principle and support those most affected by the climate crisis.
The groups referenced recent data showing a 4.6 percent rise in carbon dioxide emissions between 2015 and 2019 due to fossil fuel consumption, making the industry the leading contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. This, they argue, is driving rising global temperatures and resulting in significant environmental and social consequences for vulnerable communities worldwide.
The statement also highlighted concerns over the role of fossil fuel-related conflicts, where competition for resources has led to environmental destruction, displacement, and prolonged hardship in affected regions. The organizations further noted that, despite the financial capacity of nations in the Global North, spending on military efforts currently outweighs investments in climate action, with 30 times more funding directed towards militarization than climate finance.
The submission advocates for the polluter-pays principle, which encourages the world’s largest emitters to contribute to remediation efforts for environmental and human rights impacts caused by climate change. This approach seeks to ensure that those most responsible for emissions take part in global efforts to support the communities most affected by climate-related challenges.
This submission reflects the growing global support for stronger, more collaborative climate policies. Recently, over 360 organizations urged the European Union to improve corporate sustainability laws, and climate advocates continue to stress the importance of international cooperation to address the pressing challenges posed by the climate crisis.
