Renewable energy sector 'falling short on human rights'

Scores similarly to 'high-risk' apparel sector

Renewable energy firms are failing on serious ethical issues, with not one of those assessed "fully meeting" their responsibilities to human rights, as defined by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP), according to a new report from Business & Human Rights Resource Centre.

Of the 16 largest publicly traded solar and wind companies assessed against the new Renewable Energy and Human Rights benchmark, not one was found to be respecting land rights, and only one has a public commitment on indigenous rights. Seven of the firms scored less than 10% against the benchmark, while three-quarters scored under 40%, and only two broached 50%, one of which has had allegations of abuse levied against them. Natixis IM launches ESG fund of funds The sector overall has faced allegations of human rights abuse, including killings, threats and land grabs, with at least ...