COP31 Pushes Global Electrification Goal as Rights Groups Demand Mining Safeguards

The COP31 president urged global leaders and climate activists to pledge support for a global electrification plan, including <b>clean public transport, energy-efficient buildings and affordable energy</b>. Negotiators from nearly 200 countries are considering a Turkish proposal to raise electricity’s share of global energy use and revive efforts to move away from fossil fuels. Environmental and human rights groups warn that mining minerals and metals for power lines, batteries, wind turbines and other infrastructure could harm communities and habitats without strong safeguards. They cite deforestation, poisoned water supplies and Indigenous peoples losing access to land, and are calling for materials to be sourced fairly.