In a bold move, campaigners from Mighty Earth have taken their demands for Hyundai to address climate change and human rights abuses directly to the automaker’s U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles. They delivered a letter to CEO José Muñoz, highlighting the severe impacts of Hyundai’s steel supply chain on both people and the environment.
Key Takeaways
- Mighty Earth released a report titled "Tainted Steel" detailing Hyundai’s reliance on harmful steel sourcing practices.
- The report reveals significant emissions, labor violations, and environmental degradation linked to Hyundai’s steel suppliers.
- Campaigners demand Hyundai to transition to electric vehicles and decarbonize its supply chains.
The Tainted Steel Report
The report, based on an analysis of over 57,402 shipments from 196 companies, exposes the deadly consequences of Hyundai’s steel supply chain. Key findings include:
- Formosa in Vietnam received $450 million worth of Russian coking coal, contributing to record emissions in Southeast Asia.
- South Korea’s steel facilities, including those operated by Hyundai, are projected to cause 19,400 premature deaths from air pollution between 2022 and 2050, with an economic burden of $111 billion.
- Vale, a Brazilian mining giant, faced $56 million in fines for the Brumadinho dam disaster, which killed 272 people.
- Ternium’s Santa Cruz facility in Brazil emits over 10 million tons of CO2 annually, accounting for 50% of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
The Call for Action
Mighty Earth and its partners are urging Hyundai to take immediate action to address these issues. Their demands include:
- Accelerate Transition to Electric Vehicles: Hyundai should phase out fossil-fuel vehicles and fully embrace electric vehicles.
- Decarbonize Steel Supply Chains: Establish science-based targets for decarbonization and commit to purchasing low-carbon materials.
- Commit to Phasing Out Coal: Halt new coal investments and phase out coal usage in supply chains.
- Enhance Human Rights Due Diligence: Implement measures to prevent and remediate human rights violations.
- Uphold Workers’ Rights: Adopt Community Benefit Agreements and ensure independent monitoring of labor conditions.
The Broader Implications
The reliance on coal-based steel production not only exacerbates climate change but also perpetuates human rights violations. Hyundai’s supply chain includes sources linked to environmental destruction and violence against Indigenous communities. The company’s failure to shift away from coal-based steel is a significant concern, especially given its status as the world’s third-largest automaker.
Voices of Concern
Experts and activists have voiced their concerns regarding Hyundai’s practices. Matt Groch from Mighty Earth stated, "Hyundai hides behind its glossy image while ignoring the horrors in its steel supply chain. Its continued reliance on coal is a big issue that needs urgent attention."
Danilo Chammas from the Instituto Cordilheira expressed disappointment that Hyundai profits from the damage caused by the iron ore mining industry in Brazil, urging the company to take responsibility.
Conclusion
As the world grapples with climate change and human rights issues, Hyundai’s actions—or lack thereof—will be closely scrutinized. The campaigners’ visit to the U.S. headquarters marks a significant step in holding the automaker accountable for its supply chain practices. The call for change is clear: Hyundai must act now to protect both the planet and the people affected by its operations.
Sources
- Campaigners take call for Hyundai action on climate and human rights to its US HQ – Mighty Earth, Mighty Earth.
