Red Flag 13. Depleting or polluting natural resources or public goods such that it undermines access or health

This Red Flag may appear in a company’s Value Chain.

Industrial activity that leads to pollution of the environment (i.e., water, biodiversity, soil and/or air) at levels that – even if within legal limits – have an impact on people’s health
Manufacture/sale of products that release pollutants such as “forever chemicals” or materials that could contribute to micro-plastic accumulation
Harvesting or destruction (including through introduction of invasive species) of wild flora and fauna by agricultural or pharmaceutical companies depleting traditional food sources on which indigenous and other communities rely
Land-based extractive projects that lead to an influx of people that places stress on ecosystem and human services, such as in communities near mine sites
Extractive industries (terrestrial and marine), industrial fishing, or aquaculture projects that negatively impact marine ecology on which fishing communities depend for their livelihoods
Companies, including technology companies, establishing large corporate headquarters in urban areas where this reduces access to affordable housing
Water extraction by food and agribusiness, beverage, apparel or technology companies leading to water stress in a given catchment

Extractive industries (terrestrial and marine)
Energy production and distribution
Chemicals manufacturing, including petrochemicals and plastics manufacturing
Large-scale infrastructure projects, e.g. hydropower projects, construction projects
Manufacturing, including metals, electronics, aerospace and automotive manufacturing
Technology
Fisheries and aquaculture
Apparel and textiles
Food and beverage
Agribusiness, forestry, and industries that rely on agricultural commodities
Consumer products, including health and beauty products and supplement products which incorporate natural resources relied upon by indigenous populations