Emily Iona Stewart’s Post

#Transitionminerals, essential to renewable technologies, are increasingly in demand. But in the Philippines, the militarisation of this rapidly expanding mining industry is endangering Indigenous communities and threatening critical biodiversity hotspots—all in the name of "climate action." In our latest investigation, Hanna Hindstrom shows how the exploitation of these minerals is affecting local ecosystems and the lives of Indigenous people, shining a much-needed light on the disturbing consequences of the global race to Net Zero. We cannot mine our way out of climate emergency, especially when these activities are tainted with human rights abuses.

With 54% of Energy Transition minerals on or near Indigenous Peoples, there is a huge escalation of mining and Indigenous Peoples' rights violations. This important report is a reality check of what is happening on the ground.

BREAKING: our new report exposes the dark side of ‘green mining’ in the Philippines 🪨 As the world races to achieve Net Zero emissions, the demand for critical minerals—used in renewable technologies like wind turbines and solar panels—is accelerating. But in the Philippines, this “green” rush is leaving a trail of destruction. 🔍 The reality: 🚨Over 25% of critical mineral zones overlap with recognised Indigenous territories. Since the 1990s, Indigenous communities have lost an area of land equivalent to the size of Timor-Leste. 🚨 A quarter of the land used for critical minerals mining in the Philippines also clashes with key biodiversity and protected areas. Mining in biodiversity hotspots like these threatens the very systems that protect us from climate collapse. 🚨The military poses the single biggest threat to land and environmental defenders in the Philippines, many of whom are Indigenous. In 2023, the Philippine military was responsible for 15 of 17 defender killings, labelling many Indigenous leaders and activists as insurgents for opposing mining projects. 🚨A growing number of activists are also being slapped with rebellion or terrorism charges for speaking out against resources projects like mining in the Philippines. 🔋While the energy transition is vital for addressing the climate crisis, it cannot come at the cost of human rights, critical biodiversity, and Indigenous land and rights. Mining cannot save us from the climate emergency if it is tainted with violence and environmental destruction. 🗣️ As Ana Celestial from the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment says: “Our natural wealth must serve the people—not multinational corporations. It is time to dismantle the oppressive structures that prioritise profit over life and establish a mining policy rooted in justice, equity, and true environmental stewardship.” 💬 “At the heart of biodiversity conservation is the recognition that Indigenous Peoples are the original environmental stewards. Yet, rather than being supported in our role, we are displaced, criminalised, and stripped of our sovereignty,” said Beverly Longid. “If the global community is truly committed to ecological justice, it must begin by defending the rights of Indigenous Peoples and restoring our control over our ancestral lands.” 💡The planetary shift to renewable energy must not cost us the very things we’re fighting to save. What steps do you think industries and governments should take to ensure a fair and equitable energy transition? 👇 https://lnkd.in/djXPcwGd

We, the undersigned citizens, are writing to express our vehement opposition to the government's plans to cut down the Hasdev Jungle for coal mining purposes. This reckless decision threatens the bio-diversity. The Hasdev Jungle is not just a collection of trees; it is a vital ecosystem that sustains a diverse array of flora and fauna. By allowing its destruction for the sake of short-term economic gains through coal mining, the government is disregarding the long-term repercussions on our environment. The irreplaceable loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and degradation of natural habitats cannot be overstated. Furthermore, the act of cutting down forests for coal mining exacerbates the already critical issue of climate change. Forests serve as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Destroying vast stretches of the Hasdev Jungle will release significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and furthering the climate crisis. Moreover, the Hasdev Jungle is home to numerous indigenous communities whose livelihoods and cultural heritage are intrinsically linked to the forest. Displacing these communities and destroying their way of life in the name of industrial development is not only unjust but also morally reprehensible. It is imperative that their rights and voices are respected and prioritized in any decision-making process regarding the utilization of natural resources in their ancestral lands. Additionally, the environmental impact of coal mining extends far beyond deforestation. The extraction and burning of coal release harmful pollutants into the air and water, posing serious health risks to nearby communities and ecosystems. From air and water pollution to soil degradation and habitat destruction, the environmental footprint of coal mining is extensive and irreversible. Furthermore, the reliance on coal as an energy source perpetuates our dependence on fossil fuels, hindering the transition to cleaner and more sustainable forms of energy. In an era where the world is increasingly recognizing the urgent need to combat climate change and shift towards renewable energy sources, investing in coal mining represents a regressive and shortsighted approach to energy policy. In conclusion, the decision to cut down the Hasdev Jungle for coal mining is not only an environmental travesty but also a moral outrage. We urge the government to reconsider its priorities and to prioritize the protection of our natural heritage and the well-being of current and future generations over short-term economic gains. We demand an immediate halt to any plans for deforestation and coal mining in the Hasdev Jungle and call for sustainable and environmentally responsible alternatives to be pursued instead. The time to act is now. Our planet and future depend on it. Rajesh Bhowmik Environment warrior #savehasdev #saveearth

The "green" energy transition is widely regarded as the solution to climate change. However, in many cases, transitional practices are causing environmental harm and human rights violations. In the Atacama Desert in the north of Chile, mineral extraction has caused water drainage, impacting the ancestral homeland of the Lickan Antay Indigenous Peoples. The loss of water has led to the loss of resources and has forced Indigenous Peoples to relocate. Indigenous activists are still seeking justice in this region. Cases like this make it important to address how we can ensure a transition that is truly clean and just. Read the full case study via Cultural Survival. #SIRGECoalition #JustTransition #IndigenousRights #IndigenousPeoples #FreePriorAndInformedConsent #Environment #EnvironmentalJustice #FPIC #HumanRights #Mining #MiningImpacts #Chile #CulturalSurvival

📢 The United Nations Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has called for global action rooted in equity and justice. The final report has laid out principles and recommendations to create urgently necessary change in mineral supply chains:   🌍 It says that “human rights must be at the core of all mineral value chains,” and calls on all actors to protect human rights and Indigenous Peoples' rights.  🌍 It recognises that we must protect the planet’s integrity, “redouble our efforts to safeguard the integrity of the environment” and reduce consumption to protect the planet. 🌍It acknowledges that trade rules need to change so mineral-producing developing countries can benefit more from their resources. Crucially, the Panel recognizes that justice requires change. 📢 We now need strong collective action to put these ambitions into practice: inclusive, multi-stakeholder action that heeds the voices of those most affected by mining. We call on governments and companies to follow the Panel’s recommendation to ensure equitable, inclusive and participatory approaches that will leave no one behind. Let’s make it happen! 👉 Read the full CSO response to the Panel's report:  https://lnkd.in/eWpQjaUj #JustMinerals #JustTransition #IndigenousRights #IndigenousPeoples #Sustainability #Environment #EnvironmentalJustice #ClimateJustice #HumanRights

Guiding Principle 2 of the United Nations "Resourcing the Energy Transition" report states: "The integrity of the planet, its environment, and biodiversity must be safeguarded." As we ramp up the extraction of critical minerals for the energy transition, we must ensure that environmental protection is at the forefront. This means responsible mining practices that prevent pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect ecosystems. Mining activities account for up to 7% of global deforestation. We can't combat climate change by harming the very ecosystems that sustain us. Support and advocate for mining practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, so that the energy transition is truly sustainable Read the full United Nations "Resourcing the Energy Transition" report here: https://lnkd.in/eHvNgw_8 #AMDCMedia #CriticalMinerals #GreenMinerals

🌍 **Mining and Deforestation: A Global Climate Concern** A recent study by the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, highlights the significant environmental cost of mining, having cleared nearly 16,785 km² of forest between 2000 and 2019. This deforestation, equivalent to the size of Kuwait, has released approximately 490 million tons of CO₂, comparable to annual emissions from countries like Brazil. Key findings reveal significant forest loss, particularly in biodiverse areas such as Indonesia, Brazil, and North America, further underscoring mining’s global environmental impact. Moreover, countries like Suriname and Guyana experienced high percentages of mining-related forest loss, indicating an urgent need for sustainable practices and conservation efforts. With mining contributing to atmospheric CO₂ increases and impairing climate stabilization, the study calls for immediate global action: enforcing stricter deforestation regulations, promoting ecosystem restoration, and supporting conservation initiatives like the UN's REDD+ program. Balancing resource demands with environmental preservation is crucial to combating climate change effectively. 🌿 #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Deforestation #MiningImpact #EnvironmentalConservation

MINING LEADERS COMMIT TO SUPPORT A NATURE POSITIVE FUTURE In a post that I published several days ago I stated that "a successful energy transition can only be achieved if we deal adequately with unsustainable and irresponsible mining practices which threaten to perpetuate environmental degradation and social inequalities." With this message still resonating in my head, I came across a very inspiring position statement today that was recently (Jan. 17) made by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) regarding the need to take urgent action to halt and reverse nature loss, which is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and reaching global decarbonization targets. "With responsibly produced minerals and metals playing a critical role in advancing global sustainable development goals, ICMM members, representing a third of the global industry, have pledged that meeting this demand for critical materials must not be at the expense of nature. Our Nature: Position Statement signifies a collective promise to contribute to a nature positive future across our areas of influence." ‘Nature positive by 2030’ refers to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 from a 2020 baseline, through measurable gains in the health, abundance, diversity and resilience of species, ecosystems, and natural processes. ICMM's new commitments have been set out in a 5-point plan for nature: * Protect and conserve pristine areas of our natural environment: No mining or exploration in World Heritage Sites and respect all legally designated protected areas. * Halt biodiversity loss at our operations: Achieve at least no net loss of biodiversity at all mine sites by closure against a 2020 baseline. * Collaborate across value chains: Develop initiatives and partnerships that halt and reverse nature loss throughout supply and distribution chains. * Restore and enhance landscapes: Around operations through local partnerships, including with Indigenous Peoples, land-connected peoples and local communities. * Catalyse wider change: Acting to change the fundamental systems that contribute to nature loss and fostering opportunities for nature’s recovery. This is the kind of leadership the industry requires in these challenging times.  And these are the type of commitments that help me remember why I joined the industry in the first place. Now, Let's Walk the Talk! https://lnkd.in/e4KT56Fp

Today is the United Nations International Day of the world’s Indigenous Peoples. The day that was established by the UNGA resolution to observe the day of the meeting in 1982 of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission of Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. Regrettably, the legacy of mining and extractive activities have been undertaken, habitually, in Indigenous Peoples’ territories without their free, prior, and informed consent. The continued non-recognition and abuse of Indigenous Peoples’ land rights, and consequently the dismissal of 80% of global biodiversity, should be placed at the center of present and future global challenges. As the United Nations Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals reaches the concluding stages, one of the minimum asks should be reinforcement be the full recognition and respect of Indigenous people’s rights. Learn more and support the recommendations signed by a powerful coalition of more than 230 Indigenous Peoples groups, unions, and various organizations dedicated to climate, environmental justice, and human rights here: https://lnkd.in/diamgrvB #humanrights #critcaltransitionminerals #envirormentaljustice #climatechange