We presented a submission addressing the human rights impacts of the fossil fuel-based economy to the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change's Annual Report for 2025. The submission emphasises that the current energy paradigm, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, is no longer fit for purpose as it represents the main driver of the climate emergency threatening all conditions sustaining life on our planet.

The contribution argues that human rights violations are not random occurrences of the extractivist fossil fuels-based system but predictable outcomes of a paradigm prioritising continuous growth. Such pursuit of economic expansion leads to overexploiting natural resources and aggravates social disparities as benefits and burdens are unevenly distributed. 

The growth imperative globally perpetuates a cycle of exploitation where resources and wealth flow disproportionately to the Global North, whilst the Global South and marginalised communities bear the brunt of environmental destruction and economic exclusion.

The presentation argues that States must take immediate action to decarbonise their economies and equitably phase out fossil fuels to tackle the root causes of the global environmental crisis. It also emphasises that the energy transition should not just be a technical change from one energy source to another but a profound transformation of energy systems. At the same time, the submission warns that transitioning to a low-carbon economy risks negatively affecting communities whose livelihoods still rely on fossil fuels. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that principles of non-discrimination and equality guide the phase-out. 

Additionally, the submission emphasises that an equitable phase-out can only be achieved with developed countries delivering on their obligation to provide finance, technology, and capacity building to developing countries, according to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Finally, the presentation proposes feminist approaches as a fundamental way of reimagining energy systems away from fossil fuels. Feminist theory emphasises including diverse voices in all aspects of energy system design and provides a framework to invest in economies centred on care. A feminist approach to the phase-out of fossil fuels would put care at the centre and recognise its role in the organisation, management, and energy delivery. This implies articulating energy services to support tasks involving domestic work, food production, and other activities essential for the sustainability of life.

You can read the full submission here: