Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Amnesty International –

Pascale Solages is the co-founder and General Coordinator of Nègès Mawon, a feminist organization in Haiti founded in 2015. Since then, the organization provides access to health services and care for survivors of gender-based and sexual violence, and promotes feminist activism through art, education for girls, and advocacy. 

Haiti is currently experiencing an unprecedented social, political, and humanitarian crisis. Violence escalated in 2021 following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, after which criminal groups seized control in Port-au-Prince, the country’s capital. Since then, several efforts have been made to restore peace in the country, but they have not been as successful as hoped. 

This interview is part of a series of blogs highlighting the extraordinary work of Haitian activists and organizations who are making a difference, especially in the lives of communities affected by violence in Haiti. 

Source: Amnesty International –

Israeli air strikes on locations linked to al-Qard al-Hassan, a non-profit financial institution associated with Hezbollah, must be investigated as war crimes as they do not constitute legitimate military targets under international humanitarian law, Amnesty International said today.

Since 2 March, the Israeli military has announced that it would target all branches of al-Qard al-Hassan across Lebanon and by 10 March said that it had struck “around 30 branches” during the past week. Many al-Qard al-Hassan offices are located within residential buildings or in crowded neighbourhoods. The attacks across Beirut’s southern suburbs, south Lebanon and the Beqaa, have destroyed facilities used by tens of thousands of civilians to access financial services, including loans to pay for school fees, healthcare expenses and vehicles to commute to work.

“Over and over again, the Israeli military has appeared to assume that labelling something as Hezbollah-affiliated, be that healthcare workers, homes in border villages, or financial institutions, makes it targetable. That’s wrong,” said Heba Morayef, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

“Allegations of financial links do not, on their own, turn a civilian or a civilian building into a military objective. Distinguishing between military objectives and civilian objects is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. Hezbollah is both a military and a political actor, but it also runs service and charity institutions staffed by civilians.”

“Civilians and civilian objects do not become lawful targets simply because of an affiliation or perceived connection. Yet once again, Israel is destroying branches of a financial institution that serves as a lifeline for thousands of people in desperate need. These attacks are unlawful and must be investigated as war crimes.”

Amnesty International reviewed the Israeli military’s claims about the attacks, verified footage of four locations targeted on 2 and 9 March, and interviewed 12 people from diverse backgrounds who had used al-Qard al-Hassan’s financial services. Pseudonyms are used throughout to protect people’s privacy and security.

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

Responding to news of escalating attacks by Iran on vessels stuck in the Persian Gulf extending to the Strait of Hormuz, Nina Noelle at Greenpeace Germany, which has been mapping oil tankers trapped in the area and potential impacts of an oil spill, said:

“Right now, there are dozens of tankers carrying billions of litres of oil trapped in the Persian Gulf as mines are being laid and missiles are hitting ships. This is an environmental disaster waiting to happen. A single oil spill in the Gulf could damage this fragile marine habitat beyond repair with devastating consequences for people, animals, and plants in the region, adding to the terrible human toll this illegal war has already taken on local communities.

“The US-Israel attack on Iran and subsequent strikes by Iran on neighbouring Gulf countries has shown once again that our dependence on fossil fuels is a constant threat to peace, security and prosperity. When oil and gas prices surge, fossil fuel giants rake in more profits while everyday people are hit by higher costs for heating, electricity, transport and food. 

“Greenpeace is calling on all parties to de-escalate tensions and pursue peaceful, diplomatic solutions and on governments everywhere to urgently shift away from fossil fuels towards distributed renewable energy systems where the risks of conflict are reduced rather than amplified.

“From Venezuela to Iran, we’ve seen how Trump’s stated desire to control resources – especially oil and gas – is playing out in violent foreign policy. In Trump’s illegal war with Iran, the only winners are the oil and gas companies.”

An investigation by Greenpeace Germany has analysed the blocked Strait of Hormuz using ship movement data and satellite imagery and simulated the potential consequences of oil spills in the Persian Gulf if tankers are damaged. At present, the oil tankers trapped in the Persian Gulf are carrying at least 21 billion litres of oil.

“Greenpeace simulations show how an oil slick could spread if the stranded tankers are damaged in an attack. The Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters are home to pristine coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows. This is an ecological ticking time bomb and represents an enormous risk that further increases instability and human suffering in the region.” 

ENDS

Satellite images available in the Greenpeace Media Library. Link to interactive map 

Notes: 

[1] Greenpeace Germany is tracking larger oil tankers above 80.000 DWT (deadweight tonnage) and 100 metres length. Interactive map and accompanying article: How oil tankers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz south of Iran threatens the Gulf ecosystem

[2] You can’t blow up the sun: 4 reasons renewables are a security imperative

[3] In Trump’s illegal war with Iran, the only winners are the oil and gas companies 

Contact: 

Nina Noelle, crisis communications and international relations manager, Greenpeace Germany, +49 151 10622733, nina.noelle@greenpeace.org

Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org

Source: Amnesty International –

Responding to the launch of Medact’s (an organisation bringing together health workers in the UK) latest briefing that outlines grave human rights concerns and risks posed by contracting Palantir to build NHS England’s Federated Data Platform (FDP), Matt Mahmoudi, Researcher and Advisor on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights at Amnesty International said:

“Amnesty International supports the briefing published by Medact and partners exposing why Palantir’s is an unsuitable partner for National Health Services (NHS) England due to significant human rights concerns associated with the company. Palantir has a track record of flagrantly disregarding international law and standards, both in the  violations of the human rights of migrants in the United States, to which it risks contributing to, and its ongoing supply of artificial intelligence (AI) products and services to the Israeli military and intelligence services that are linked to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

“Amnesty International is calling on NHS England, the UK government and all other public institutions to use their leverage from their investments, including by responsibly divesting from Palantir and ceasing the purchase of equipment and services from the company. These measures must remain in place until the company can demonstrate that it is not contributing to Israel’s genocide, apartheid, unlawful occupation or other crimes under international law.”

Source: Amnesty International –

Following the latest US government attack on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Sea yesterday, Amnesty International strongly condemns these acts and reiterates that they constitute extrajudicial killings, a form of murder, prohibited under international law, and represent a grave affront to the most basic principles of humanity and legality. No circumstances justify the arbitrary deprivation of life.   

According to U.S. Southern Command, this recent attack, in addition to the more than 40 unilaterally perpetrated attacks by the United States armed forces since September 2025, left six people dead, bringing the total to at least 157 deaths recorded so far in this type of attack.   

According to a post from the social network X, U.S. Southern Command reported that this attack took place under the direction of Commander Donovan, on the grounds that the vessel was operated by organizations that the United States has designated as terrorists. This is one of the deadliest single strikes since they began on September 2, 2025.  

“The United States cannot claim the right to blow up boats with people on board based solely on suspicions of drug trafficking or other allegedly illicit activities. The rest of the international community cannot normalize these extrajudicial killings, in which the United States military is judge and executioner,” said Ana Piquer Amnesty International director for the Americas.    

The United States cannot claim the right to blow up boats with people on board based solely on suspicions of drug trafficking or other allegedly illicit activities. The rest of the international community cannot normalize these extrajudicial killings, in which the United States military is judge and executioner.”

Ana Piquer Amnesty International director for the Americas.

The organization also warns about command responsibility in these types of serious human rights violations and calls for a thorough and independent investigation that reaches the highest levels of the US government, so that those who gave the orders are held accountable before justice. 

“Human life cannot be left to the mercy of a president’s whim. No president or military has the right to arbitrarily take life. The level of dehumanization and cynicism reflected in these acts is deeply alarming and should be of global concern. It is urgent to demand accountability and immediately end these types of attacks. Due to the current acquiescence of the Attorney General’s Office, Congress must step in with its oversight power and investigate” added Piquer. 

Human life cannot be left to the mercy of a president’s whim. No president or military has the right to arbitrarily take life. The level of dehumanization and cynicism reflected in these acts is deeply alarming and should be of global concern.” 

Ana Piquer Amnesty International director for the Americas.

Amnesty International regrets the lukewarmness and lack of leadership of most governments, as well as the Organization of American States, and urges the international community to speak out firmly against these actions, which constitute a serious threat to human rights and respect for international law, created precisely so that human dignity prevails over any form of power.  

Governments must immediately suspend intelligence sharing that may contribute to these operations. They further should suspend export licenses to any defense material that could be used to perpetuate these murders.  

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact [email protected]

Source: Oxfam –

The evacuation order for the northern border town of Akobo East in South Sudan, which forced tens of thousands of people – including all aid agency staff – to leave at the weekend, has closed critical humanitarian programmes for over 200,000 people and deepened catastrophic conditions, Oxfam said today. 

Evacuated Oxfam staff are reporting that even before the latest escalation, the humanitarian situation was already dire. Communities were under immense pressure, with many families surviving on wild fruits and leaves from the bushes. Akobo East hosts more than 188,000 residents and had been sheltering an additional 82,000 people displaced by conflict from other parts of Jonglei State.

With the evacuation order now forcing many to flee again, thousands of families are facing secondary displacement, leaving them with even fewer resources and support. More than half of those displaced people are women and children. The escalating violence and repeated displacement is increasing the threat of sexual violence and abduction, and also the risk of child marriage.

Shabnam Baloch, Oxfam’s South Sudan Country Director said: “This evacuation order has forced the closure of all humanitarian support, it is outrageous. Living conditions were already extremely bad and now exhausted people, many of whom were already displaced, have been forced to move yet again because of the spiralling conflict.”

On Friday 6 March the order was given by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces for everyone – including hundreds of UN and aid agency staff – to evacuate within four days. 

Alfred Chandonga, a local Oxfam Project Manager who himself was forced to flee, described the situation: “I was struck by the crushing sight of families being forced into the wilderness yet again. These were the same people who had arrived from Walgak only weeks ago, weary but hopeful that they could finally set down their heavy bundles and rest. Instead, safety vanished in an instant. There was no time to grieve the lives they left behind.

“Watching them walk into the haze of uncertainty was heartbreaking; I saw women, the true face of this crisis, balancing their entire lives in their hands. With infants on their backs and toddlers clutching their dresses, they moved toward a horizon where neither the next meal nor the safety of the path is guaranteed. They only know they must keep walking. The world cannot afford to look away.”

Most of the displaced population have fled to Tergol, a key border crossing point for South Sudanese refugees while 37,000 people have already crossed into the Gambella region of Ethiopia, on top of around 78,000 people who already arrived there in January according to UNOCHA in South Sudan. This additional population movement is placing even more strain on Gambella which hosts over 450,000 South Sudanese refugees.

Support to new asylum seekers from South Sudan has become increasingly difficult in Ethiopia due to immense pressure and reduced funding cuts as several organizations have had to reduce essential services due to lack of funding. Oxfam, which leads on providing clean water and sanitation services, has been forced to scale down its operations reaching even fewer people at a time when needs are increasing.

Ethiopia is facing its own overlapping crises from conflict to drought with some areas reporting crop losses due to the failure of the last two rainy seasons, leaving households empty-handed. 

The South Sudan 2026 humanitarian response plan projects that over 10 million people – two-thirds of the population – will require some humanitarian assistance including 7.5 million people who are at risk of starvation.

Oxfam is calling on all parties in South Sudan to de-escalate the conflict and prioritise the protection of civilians and guarantee safety of humanitarian access to populations in need in Akobo county, including at the border with Ethiopia.

Ends

Source: Amnesty International –

Israel, the US and the Islamic Republic of Iran must immediately cease or refrain from unlawful attacks on energy infrastructure, including facilities providing essential services such as electricity, heating and running water, said Amnesty International today, highlighting the risks of devastating civilian harm and environmental impact posed by such attacks.

In recent days Israeli-US air strikes have targeted multiple fuel storage and distribution facilities in Iran, and the Islamic Republic of Iran’s military has carried out attacks affecting fuel depots and oil and gas infrastructure in multiple Gulf states.

“The potential for vast, predictable, and devastating civilian harm arising from strikes targeting energy infrastructure, including uncontrolled deadly fires, major disruptions to essential services, environmental damage, and severe long-term health risks for millions, means there is a substantial risk such attacks would violate international humanitarian law and in some cases could amount to war crimes,” said Heba Morayef, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

“Regardless of whether a military objective is cited to justify targeting energy infrastructure, under international humanitarian law all parties have a clear obligation to take all feasible precautions to reduce civilian harm and refrain from attacks that cause disproportionate death or injury to civilians or damage to civilian objects. This includes any foreseeable knock-on, indirect adverse effects on civilians’ life and health such as exposure to toxic chemicals.”

The potential for vast, predictable, and devastating civilian harm arising from strikes targeting energy infrastructure…means there is a substantial risk such attacks would violate international humanitarian law 

Heba Morayef, MENA Regional Director

Under international humanitarian law, an oil refinery can be targeted only if it qualifies as a military objective, meaning it is being used to make an effective contribution to military action – for example by producing fuel for the attacking armed forces – and damaging it would yield a definite military advantage in the circumstances ruling at the time. Even if those two prerequisites exist, the attacking party must take all feasible precautions to avoid or minimize collateral damage to civilians, such as the release of toxic substances, and, before striking, consider whether any such damage would be excessive to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated.  

Attacks on oil depots in Iran

In Iran, horrifying video footage of the aftermath of Israeli-US attacks on several fuel depots, including in the neighborhoods of Shahran, Sohanak and Kouhak in Tehran and the city of Shahr-e Rey in Tehran province and Fardis in Alborz province, on 7 March shows massive flames and plumes of thick black smoke rising, as well as large uncontrolled fires damaging civilian areas. Eyewitnesses also described to Amnesty International chilling scenes of oil-tainted rainfall.

After the attacks Iran’s environmental agency and the Iranian Red Crescent Society advised people in Tehran to stay indoors warning of the risks posed by the spread of toxic chemicals that could cause acid rain as a result of the air strikes.

The Israeli military has issued a statement confirming they carried out attacks on “a number of fuel storage facilities in Tehran”, saying they were used by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s military “to operate military infrastructure”.

“We are deeply alarmed at the potential impact of these attacks on the civilian population. Medical warnings about hazardous materials and toxic substances being released into the air, put millions of people in Tehran at risk of serious health complications, including cancer, lung and respiratory diseases and skin burns. States are bound to uphold social and economic rights during both peacetime and armed conflict,” said Heba Morayef.

An informed source in Tehran told Amnesty International that residential buildings around the oil depots in Shahran were damaged, leaving some people homeless.

An eyewitness told Amnesty International “The sky over Tehran was black today [8 March]. Then black rain started to fall. The ground everywhere has turned black, as if a layer of light cement had been poured over.”

Another eyewitness said on 8 March “This morning, the air was pitch black. It is daytime, but it’s dark like night. The city is full of soot. I went outside. It was raining a little, and my hands became black immediately. Soot is falling from the sky. It is terrifying.”

On 8 March, the Political Deputy Provincial Governor of Alborz province, Ghodratollah Seif, announced that the strike on the oil depot in Fardis killed at least six people and injured 21 others, including nearby residents. On 9 March, the president of Alborz University of Medical Sciences said that a dialysis center near the oil depot in Fardis was destroyed in the ensuing fire.

Attacks on energy infrastructure in Iran risk compounding the suffering of a population traumatized by massacres at the hands of the Islamic Republic authorities and who have already endured years of declining access to electricity, water, clean air, and a safe environment due to chronic state mismanagement and systemic violation of the people’s human right to take part in public affairs. These grievances, along with severe political repression, have been at the heart of successive nationwide protests, including most recently in January 2026, demanding human rights, dignity, and downfall of the Islamic Republic system. 

Attacks on oil infrastructure in Gulf countries

Since 28 February, multiple attacks affecting energy infrastructure have been reported in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has said that its forces are “attacking American bases, American installations, American assets” that were  “unfortunately” based in their Gulf neighbouring countries, while the head of parliament, Mohammad Bagher Balifar, proclaimed that “as long as US bases exist in the region, countries will not see calm”.

Officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait have said that Iranian drones and missiles have directly targeted oil and gas facilities in Gulf states, and that in other cases debris from intercepted attacks affected facilities. Governments across the Gulf severely restrict access to information and expression, which impedes reporting on the direct effects of attacks.

In Qatar, on 2 March, Qatari Ministry of Defence stated that Iranian drones had targeted energy facilities in the Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar’s main liquefied natural gas (LNG) export hub, but no casualties were reported. Following the attack, Qatar Energy suspended LNG production and declared force majeure, according to Reuters and Bloomberg News citing informed sources .   

On 7 March, the Saudi Ministry of Defence announced that 21 drones headed toward Aramco’s  Shaybah field, one the Kingdom’s largest oil fields, and includes facilities that produce natural gas liquids used in the petrochemical industry,  in several waves were intercepted and destroyed in the Empty Quarter.

In Kuwait, on 7 March, a spokesperson for the Kuwait Ministry of Defence said that drones targeted fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport.

In Oman, on 1 March, state media reported that two drones struck the commercial port in Duqm on the eastern coast, injuring one foreign worker. On 2 March, state media stated that a drone strike targeted an oil tanker off the coast of Muscat, killing one Indian crew member.

Fires have broken out at a number of facilities, which officials speaking to the media have attributed either to missile attacks or debris from drone interceptions. In some cases, state-owned fossil fuel companies have reported suspending production or shipments after attacks.

In Bahrain, on 5 March, a fire broke out in one of the refinery units of the state-owned Bapco Energies as a result of an Iranian missile attack, according to Bahrain News Agency.  The company declared force majeure on its oil shipments.

In Saudi Arabia, on 2 March, the Saudi Ministry of Defense stated that two drones attempting to target the Saudi Aramco Ras Tanura oil refinery in the Eastern Province were intercepted, and the falling debris ignited a fire inside the facility.

In the UAE, on 10 March a fire broke out at Ruwais Industrial Complex in Abu Dhabi following a drone attack, according to Reuters. Fires also broke out at Musaffah fuel tank terminal on 2 March after it was targeted by a drone and at an oil industry zone in Fujairah on 3 March, after debris from a drone interception caused a fire. 

On 9 March, the official Kuwait News Agency reported that drone debris caused a fire in a fuel tank at Al Subiya power plant.

In addition to attacks on the Gulf states, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has come to an almost complete halt. On 10 March, the High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that the plunge in commercial shipping was already having a severe impact on access to “energy, food and fertilizer for people in the region and beyond,” and that an oil price surge would have economic and social knock-on effects. He once again called for investment in renewable energy.

“Attacks on or severely affecting fuel supply and distribution networks can trigger food insecurity, as these systems currently play a critical role in transportation, the goods supply chain, and industrial activity. All parties must ensure they are refraining from any unlawful attacks and place the protection of civilians at the forefront of all military decisions,” said Heba Morayef.

Background

According to Iranian officials, at least 1,255 people have been killed in Iran since 28 February when US-Israeli attacks began. At least 17 people have been killed in the Gulf since Iran began its attacks on Gulf countries (two in Bahrain; six in Kuwait; one person in Oman; two in Saudi Arabia; and six in the UAE). Eleven out of the 17 people are foreign nationals from India, Iran, Indonesia and Bangladesh amongst other countries residing in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain according to official state media reports. A least 570 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon according to the authorities. At least 12 people have been killed by attacks in Israel according to media reports.

Source: Amnesty International –

Responding to the Supreme Court of Ukraine’s decision to uphold a lower court ruling recognizing a same-sex couple as a de facto family, Veronika Velch, Director of Amnesty International Ukraine, said:

“The Supreme Court’s refusal to overturn this ruling reaffirms the lower court’s important finding that same-sex couples have the right to be recognized as a family.

“This is a significant precedent. The court made clear that third-party organizations cannot use the courts to interfere in people’s private lives or attempt to overturn decisions protecting LGBTI people by invoking vague and absurd claims about ‘public morality’.

“The ruling also reinforces an important principle: the courts must protect individuals’ rights to private and family life and ensure that those rights cannot be undermined by actors seeking to impose discriminatory views through the legal system.

“While the decision does not introduce legal recognition of same-sex partnerships in Ukraine, it acknowledges the reality of a family relationship and represents an important step toward strengthening the protection of LGBTI people’s rights.”

While the decision does not introduce legal recognition of same-sex partnerships in Ukraine, it acknowledges the reality of a family relationship and represents an important step toward strengthening the protection of LGBTI people’s rights

Veronika Velch, Director of Amnesty International Ukraine

Background

The case concerns a Ukrainian diplomat posted to Israel, and his partner, a civil society activist.

In June 2024, after the diplomat was appointed to his overseas position, he attempted to travel with his partner as a member of his family. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine refused permission, citing Ukrainian legislation that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Following the refusal, the couple brought the case before the courts. In June 2025, the Desnianskyi District Court of Kyiv established the fact that the two men live together as one family.

The civic movement “Vsі Razom!” later filed a cassation appeal with the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the decision.

The Supreme Court rejected the appeal, ruling that an organization that was not a party to the case and whose rights or obligations were not directly affected by the decision does not have standing to challenge it. As a result, the lower court’s decision remains in force.

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

On February 28, 2026, Trump illegally went to war with Israel against Iran, seemingly without having thought through the likely consequences of his actions. The reckless and violent attack cut short negotiations with Iran and ever since, the administration has struggled to articulate consistent goals or strategic aims. 

This latest war caps one year of bombings, invasions, sabre-rattling, and threats against U.S. allies from the self-styled “peace president.” Tragically, over a thousand lives have already been lost and the conflict appears to be growing. Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal military strikes have only inflicted more harm on the people of Iran, who have already endured a brutally violent crackdown in which thousands of protesters and bystanders have been killed, with many more still feared dead.

Trump’s stated desire to control resources – especially oil and gas – is behind most of this foreign policy violence. As the Iran attack has illustrated, fossil fuel dependence and waging war in a region responsible for more fossil fuel production than any other region in the world is inherently expensive and dangerous. Yet another war shows us why it is well past time to dump fossil fuels.

Fossils are global

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic water passage through which 20% of the world’s oil must transit, has been almost completely blocked by conflict in the area. The Strait is particularly important for oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) shipments, and the stoppage of traffic has led to spikes in oil and gas prices globally. As of this writing, crude oil spiked to over $100 per barrel, and LNG benchmark prices have surged in Europe and Asia.

Apparent Iranian airstrikes on two state-owned LNG facilities in Qatar were another example of how war can directly and immediately change energy markets, access, and security globally. After the military strikes, natural gas prices jumped and state-owned QatarEnergy said it would halt LNG production as a result. Two days later, QatarEnergy declared force majeure, releasing it from its contracted business deals with energy buyers. 

Qatar’s disruption to normal LNG trade flows both spiked prices and created immediate uncertainty for buyers about where to source LNG, especially for European countries. This will generate enormous windfall profits for some well-positioned oil and gas companies. One report suggests that traders and exporters of U.S. LNG will likely take in $870 million in additional weekly profits – rising to $20 billion per month if Qatari LNG supply isn’t resumed by the summer.

On March 8th, the Israeli Defense Force struck at least five energy sites, including fuel storage facilities used for the military, near Tehran. The strikes led to fires at fuel depots burning for hours, unbreathable toxic air, and black rain in an area home to 10 million civilians. In response, Iran has threatened retaliatory strikes on energy facilities in neighboring countries. A spokesperson for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards told The Guardian “If you can tolerate oil at more than $200 per barrel, continue this game.”

A very similar global dynamic played out in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the energy market disruptions that followed. Research from Greenpeace USA, Oil Change International, and Global Witness found that U.S. oil and gas companies were positioned to earn tens of billions in windfall profits after the invasion, and that U.S. and European companies had contributed nearly $100 billion to Putin’s war chest since the 2014 invasion of Crimea.

A fossil-fueled world is never affordable

When oil and gas prices surge, everyday people feel the impact. Consumers face higher costs for heating, electricity, and gasoline, and inflation grows.

Our economy is tethered to volatile global energy markets when fossil fuels dominate.

Crude oil is a globally-traded commodity, which means that a supply crunch in one part of the world will usually raise gasoline and energy prices here in the U.S. The fact that the U.S. is the world’s largest oil and gas producer offers little to no protection to U.S. consumers. We may “drill, baby, drill” here at home, but the oil belongs to the oil companies, who will happily export it at a higher price. With the rise of global LNG markets, the same dynamic is increasingly true for gas as well.

On March 6th, six days after the U.S. and Israel began military strikes in Iran, gas prices at the pump were up an average $0.34 from the week before. By March 9th, they had risen to $3.48 per gallon and airfares may also rise as a result of the warfare. Even the price of many consumer goods can increase with fossil fuel price volatility: any product that is made from fossil fuels (think plastics or petrochemicals) and goods that are shipped or transported using fossil fueled vehicles are vulnerable. 

Trump has said the war with Iran could last for weeks, but an end to the conflict is not immediately apparent and the situation remains hard to predict. Trump has yet to articulate a serious and consistent rationale for the military actions. On gas prices for people in the U.S., Trump says “if they rise, they rise”, discarding his previous campaign promises on lowering gas prices. That instability threatens to keep energy markets in chaos. 

Many in the U.S. already disapprove of the war, and now U.S. companies are raking in millions, even billions in profits, while individuals and families pay the price. The profits from high energy prices strongly favor the rich, who own the largest stakes in energy companies.

The immediate price surges, energy security risks, inflation, and corporate exploitation of wartime illustrate just how insecure and unaffordable fossil fuels are. Phasing out fossil fuels is essential for long-term, consistent affordability and security of energy. Unlike globally traded oil and gas, renewables are not subject to the same geopolitical risks of fossil fuels. Notably, the affordability of renewable energy would likely be insulated from global geopolitics in ways that are nearly impossible with oil and gas.

War is paid for in human lives and shattered futures – and it poisons land and water, destroys ecosystems, and accelerates climate breakdown. There is no climate justice without peace, and no lasting peace without human rights.

The cycle of violence and profit must end. We call for peace, accountability, and for leaders to transition to a just world where security does not depend on fossil fuels and force.