Case studies: Renewable energy & human rights
Below you will find a collection of both negative and positive case studies concerning the impact of renewable energy on human rights. For examples of company advances on human rights, please select "Positive Steps" under 'All Tools'.
Note: We agree with serious concerns raised by many environmental groups who believe large-scale hydropower and some forms of bioenergy should not be considered sustainable energy sources because of their human and environmental impacts. Hydropower and bioenergy are included in our work on new energy sources to ensure they are held accountable, especially as many investors classify them as renewable energy in their portfolios.
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Mexico: Oaxaca Wind Farms impact indigenous peoples in Oaxaca
Project development allegedly impacts indigenous peoples' rights, land rights, and the right to free, prior, and informed consent, and reportedly linked to intimidation and death threats.
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Mexico: Wind farm launched despite local rebellion
Project development allegedly impacts indigenous peoples' rights, land rights, and the right to free, prior, and informed consent, and reportedly linked to intimidation and death threats.
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Mexico: Wind turbines threaten ecosystem
Project threatens ecosystem, local populations, livestock and agricultural production.
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Morocco: Foum El Oued Wind Farm impacts indigenous peoples in Foum El Oued
Project development allegedly impacts indigenous peoples' rights and land rights.
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Myanmar: Mong Ton Dam impacts Shan communities by Salween River
Project development allegedly impacts land rights, and reportedly linked to inadequate consultation with communities.
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New Zealand: Mutually beneficial relationships and shared risk in geothermal projects
Community investment and shared risk, mutually beneficial relationships between company and indigenous people.
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Norway: Indigenous people oppose offshore wind farms
Wind farm project could displace many local and indigenous people, who have filed complaints with the UN and OCED opposing the project.
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Panama: Barro Blanco Dam impacts on indigenous people in Chiriqui
Project development allegedly impacts indigenous peoples' rights, land rights, displacement; concerns about displacement & violence.
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Scotland: Wind farm built by migrants with no labour rights
Project allegedly paid migrant workers below minimum wage. Treatment of these workers is 'effectively slave labour'.
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So. Africa: Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm impacts communities in Jeffreys Bay
Project development began with stakeholder consultation and open communication with communities.
