The Death of a Warrior: Murdering the Truth.

In August 2019, the Guardian reported a rise in the death of environmental defenders; which has doubled in the last 15 years. At least 1,558 people in 50 states were killed between 2002 and 2017 whilst protecting their land, local wildlife and water. The rising murder rates are attributed to an increase in environmental stresses linked to global demand for resources.

A study conducted by Nature Sustainability reasoned the drivers of the environmental crimes can be correlated to a breakdown in the rule of law. These countries are plagued with corruption, lack of fundamental human rights, lack of transparency and legal review.

The failed states, tend to be located in regions such as Central and South America; it is reported only 10% of murders will result in conviction and this will only increase as the conflict over resources continues. It should be recognised the death toll is only an estimation as in authoritarian states media and NGOs are restricted, therefore many deaths will ultimately go unreported.

The indigenous population in Brazil are disproportionately affected with attacks on a daily occurrences and the Bolsonaro government has exploited their land and habitat causing both human and the ecosystem destruction; The indigenous populace endure illegal land seizures by miners, loggers and farmers.  

The UN high commissioner for Human Rights has called for an investigation into the murders. However the Brazilian government has proposed further policies towards the Earth Warriors to intimidate and murder; which will enable further destruction of the Amazon Rainforest that acts as carbon sink against CO2 emissions; this has detrimental ramifications for the survival of humanity.

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