Energy Transition and Human Rights

The threat caused by man-made climate change is real. The associated consequences of rising global temperatures are already affecting millions directly, while billions more face the consequences of falling food production and rising prices. Action is needed, both in the UK and globally, to achieve net zero, and avert even greater catastrophe.

However, while my Liberal Democrat parliamentary colleagues and I support the transition towards renewable energy and net zero, we recognise that such a transition must not come at the expense of workers, communities, or the rights of those in the Global South.

Human rights and ecosystems cannot be cast aside to accommodate mining under the guise of addressing climate change. It would be a bitter irony if mining corporations were to reap profits from a transition which delivers unjust and inequitable outcomes. Nor should human rights be disregarded due to weak enforcement and absent accountability.

Binding international legal standards should be implemented which require transnational corporations to uphold their responsibilities and answer for abuses. A fair transition must be grounded in justice.

I will press the Government to clarify how it intends to address these concerns. The transition to clean energy must be fair, and sustainable, and uphold the highest ethical standards.