Oil Firms Burn Congo Farmers' Fields as Cassava Harvests Collapse

Oil Firms Burn Congo Farmers' Fields as Cassava Harvests Collapse

A new report accuses oil companies in Congo of harming the environment and destroying farmers' livelihoods, while Sudan faces a growing famine risk driven by poor rainfall, war, displacement, and rising prices.

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Oil companies operating in Congo are damaging the environment and hurting local farmers, according to a new report by the diocese of Pointe-Noire together with Caritas [244665]. Farmers in the Koilou department say their cassava harvests have dropped sharply, and they blame gas flaring by oil companies for the problem [244665].

The report adds to growing pressure on the fossil fuel industry, which produces heat-trapping gases linked to deadly, record-setting disasters worldwide [241940]. In the United States, Republicans in Congress are pushing to protect fossil fuel companies from lawsuits over their role in climate change. On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee will debate and vote on a bill introduced in April by a Republican representative that aims to shield the industry from legal liability [241940].

The harm extends beyond Congo. Extreme heat, wildfires and floods are damaging economies, cutting incomes and pushing up prices for everyday goods, and the problem will worsen as temperatures rise [244034].

In Sudan, a new early-warning report says parts of Darfur and Kordofan face a growing risk of severe food insecurity and famine-like conditions [244184]. The report, by conflict analyst and researcher Dr Adeeb Yousif, points to four main causes: poor rainfall, war, displacement, and rising prices. Together, these factors are making it harder for people to get food [244184]. The areas named in the report include El Malha, Jebel Marra, Buram, and Tawila [244184].

Sources

Oil companies blamed as Congo farmers lose crops #244665Sudan famine risk rising, new report warns #244184Congress Moves to Block Climate Lawsuits Against Oil Companies #241940Heat Is Robbing Your Wallet #244034

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