A Triangle of Vulnerability: Global Demand for Resources, Political Marginalization, and a Culture of Impunity as Causes of Environmental Defender Killings

Abstract

What countries are most dangerous for environmental defenders? In many countries around the world advocating on behalf of the environment can be deadly. We theorize that three main factors, which we term the triangle of vulnerability, put environmental defenders most at risk. Those factors are global demand for resources, marginalization of affected populations from the political process, and a culture of impunity where perpetrators of violence against defenders escape justice. Overall, we show that environmental defenders are at risk from violence, and, given the elements that drive this violence are unlikely to abate soon, they are also in need of protection.