Business & Human Rights

Total Publishes Global Warming Strategy

August 02, 2016

French oil and gas company Total has published a document on how it will help implement the recent UN climate deal on limiting global greenhouse gas emissions, including by creating a "Strategy & Climate Division" and aggressively ramping up its investment in renewable energy in the next 20 years.
Italy Seeks Consultation on BHR Action Plan

August 02, 2016

The Italian Interministerial Committee for Human Rights has published for consultation a draft national action plan on how it will implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and help fulfill the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
New Zealand Fears EU "Tax Haven" Designation

August 02, 2016

Laura Macdonald writes that political leaders in New Zealand are expressing concern that the country will face trade sanctions from the EU if the bloc carries out its proposed policies on sanctioning foreign jurisdictions it identifies as "tax havens" where corporations can safely store their revenues.
Energy Companies Face Philippines Climate Complaint

July 28, 2016

The Guardian reports that the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines has accused 47 major energy companies of violating the rights of people in the country to “life, food, water, sanitation, adequate housing, and to self determination” through their contributions to climate change and demands an explanation of their plans to mitigate their climate impacts.
US Agency Beats Path Toward UN Airline Rules

July 28, 2016

Reuters reports that the US Environmental Protection Agency's ruling that greenhouse gas emissions from airplanes endanger public health will help the Obama Administration clear the way toward regulating airline emissions in line with standards from the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization.