Fossil fuel extraction, processing, and use have caused severe human rights abuses, including pollution, social destabilisation, and long-term climate impacts.
Wind, solar, lithium-ion batteries, and other clean energy technologies now provide practical alternatives that can replace fossil fuels across industry, transport, and buildings.
Clean energy still operates within economic and social frameworks shaped by fossil fuels, meaning some supply chain activities continue to trigger human rights concerns.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) publishes the Renewable Energy & Human Rights Benchmark to track and prevent such abuses during the energy transition.
The 2025 benchmark shows the renewable sector has made significant progress embedding human rights into operations, despite policy, interest rate, and inflation challenges.
European utilities like Iberdrola and Ørsted lead improvements, and most solar panel manufacturers have raised their scores, with 85% of companies improving or maintaining performance.
Major issues remain in land and resource rights, Indigenous Peoples’ benefit sharing, and responsible mineral sourcing, which must be addressed to prevent conflicts and project delays.
Companies such as Brookfield (owner of Neoen) and Iberdrola advance community engagement and benefit-sharing, with Australian operations supporting local decision-making and energy cost relief.
BHRRC highlights that a fair, rights-respecting transition protects communities and strengthens company competitiveness, showing business success and social responsibility can align.
In Australia, community engagement and ownership are central as the country works toward its 82% 2030 renewable target and upcoming 2035 climate goals, making inclusive approaches urgent.