LONDON, Sept. 10 (Bernama-dpa) — Nearly 200 environmental advocates were killed around the world in 2023, reported German Press Agency (dpa), quoting non-governmental organisation Global Witness on Tuesday.
The most dangerous country for conservationists was Colombia, followed by Brazil, Mexico and Honduras, the NGO said at the presentation of its annual report. According to the report, 85 per cent of the killings were recorded in Latin America.
“As the climate crisis accelerates, those who use their voice to courageously defend our planet are met with violence, intimidation, and murder,” said report author Laura Furones. “Our data shows that the number of killings remains alarmingly high, a situation that is simply unacceptable.”
According to the report, activists who campaign against mining, fishing, logging, agribusiness, roads and infrastructure construction and hydropower plants in particular are living dangerously. Most crimes go unpunished.
“Governments cannot stand idly by; they must take decisive action to protect defenders and to address the underlying drivers of violence against them,” Furones said.
“Activists and their communities are essential in efforts to prevent and remedy harms caused by climate damaging industries. We cannot afford to, nor should we tolerate, losing any more lives.”
–BERNAMA-dpa