5 actions governments must take to address modern slavery in climate solutions

Governments must address modern slavery risks in climate solutions at the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9–20 November.

The transition to a carbon-free economy is creating new human rights challenges. These include forced labour in renewable energy and critical mineral supply chains, as well as the heightened vulnerability to exploitation of people displaced by climate-related disasters.

There are 5 key actions to prevent modern slavery and make sure the transition to a carbon-free economy protects workers and communities.

Women and girls, Indigenous Peoples, and communities experiencing food insecurity face greater risks of exploitation when climate change threatens their homes and access to essential resources. Losing traditional lands and livelihoods also increases the risk of forced migration.

Governments must embed human rights protections into climate policies and programs, and ensure people with lived experience of climate impacts and exploitation have a meaningful role in shaping these policies.

The shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy must deliver decent work and protect workers from exploitation.

Workers experience forced labour in renewable energy and critical mineral supply chains, from mineral extraction to manufacturing.

Governments must address and prevent forced labour in these supply chains through strong human rights due diligence laws.

They must also support workers and communities affected by the phase-out of fossil fuel industries, ensuring the transition delivers fair employment opportunities and respects workers’ rights.

Governments must engage with businesses, investors, workers, civil society, and survivor leaders to raise awareness of modern slavery risks and strengthen accountability across supply chains.

Clear guidance on human rights due diligence and disclosure obligations is essential to help businesses understand their responsibilities and take action to prevent forced labour.

Sourcing these minerals from regions with higher forced labour risks presents serious human rights challenges.

Governments must support ethical sourcing and diversify supply chains to reduce dependence on high-risk resources. They should also promote the use of sustainable technologies that reduce demand for critical minerals.

Climate-related disasters and environmental degradation force people from their homes and threaten their livelihoods.

People displaced by climate change may struggle to find stable work, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and forced labour.

Governments must help affected communities rebuild their livelihoods and access social protection. People who lose their traditional sources of income need viable alternatives to reduce their risk of exploitation.

COP31 presents an opportunity for governments to strengthen human rights protections in climate policies and ensure the transition to a carbon-free economy delivers decent work and justice for all.

These protections must be put into practice across climate policies, renewable energy supply chains, and responses to climate displacement. Climate action must not come at the cost of the people it is meant to protect.