Two nations were responsible for more than half of all recorded killings of environmental defenders last year, according to a new report by Global Witness. The data highlights a troubling trend of violence against those advocating for ecological protection, raising concerns about systemic risks faced by activists worldwide. While the report does not specify which countries are involved, the figures underscore the urgent need for international attention to safeguard environmental advocates. Further details on the report’s findings and potential contributing factors are available in the full analysis.
The two countries accounted for 52% of killings of environmental activists in 2025, according to Global Witness.
