Groundbreaking study reveals 2 billion people live dangerously close to fossil fuel infrastructure

A startling new investigation has revealed that one in four people worldwide—more than 2 billion individuals—live within just three miles of active fossil fuel operations, putting their health and surrounding ecosystems at serious risk.

The comprehensive report by Amnesty International represents the first global analysis of its kind, mapping the true scale of fossil fuel infrastructure’s reach across our planet. Researchers identified over 18,300 operational oil, gas, and coal sites spanning 170 countries, creating what the organization calls “deep-rooted injustices” that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.

This massive industrial footprint covers vast portions of Earth’s surface, placing millions of families uncomfortably close to wells, pipelines, refineries, and other fossil fuel facilities. The proximity raises significant concerns about air and water pollution, increased cancer risks, respiratory problems, and environmental degradation that these communities face daily.

The findings highlight a troubling pattern where fossil fuel projects are often located near residential areas, frequently in regions with limited political power to resist such developments. This geographic inequality means that while the entire world relies on fossil fuels, the health burdens fall heaviest on specific populations who live in the shadow of extraction and processing sites.

The research provides crucial data for policymakers, environmental advocates, and public health officials working to address the intersection of energy production and human welfare. As the world grapples with transitioning to cleaner energy sources, this study underscores the urgent need to consider not just carbon emissions, but also the immediate health impacts on billions of people living alongside our current energy infrastructure.