Case studies

Other companies

ABP (Associated British Ports) (PDF†)

Have been involved in plans to build a superport in the New Forest surrounded by areas 'protected' for their environmental importance.

 

Alstom

Construction company with a history of involvement in destructive dams. Now involved in the Yusufeli dam in Turkey. More information on Alstom is available in this report (PDF†).

 

Anglo American

Mining company Anglo American has worked hard to create an image of a responsible corporation, yet in case study 1 of the UKplc in Latin America (PDF†) briefing there's a different story to tell.

 

ASDA

Asda's policies and business strategy are consistently undermining people's needs in the communities where Asda stores open, the needs of the farmers and the needs of suppliers. But at least they've joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. More information on ASDA on page 7 of the Big Business in Bournemouth report (PDF†).

 

BAA (PDF†)

Airport operator BAA claims that airport expansion can contribute to sustainable development, forgetting that air travel fuels climate change. More information on BAA on page 9 of the Big Business in Bournemouth report (PDF†).

 

BAE

The world's largest arms producer has used depleted uranium (PDF†) in its weapons, and, as our Xposé Awards (PDF†) showed, has managed to omit the obvious impacts of its business in its CSR reports.

 

Bayer

Aventis (now owned by Bayer) was Involved in the licensing and promotion of GM crops and food, and nearly took Friends of the Earth to court over GM pesticide data.

 

British American Tobacco (BAT)

Has operated in Burma despite massive human rights abuses associated with the oppressive regime. BAT's own internal documents (PDF†) have shown how it uses CSR to make a profit at the expense of people, their health and the environment.

 

BNFL (British Nuclear Fuels Ltd) (PDF†)

Involved in almost every aspect of nuclear power and is a key player in corporate lobbying for nuclear. More information on BNFL on page 15 of the Big Business in Bournemouth (PDF†) report.

 

BHP Billiton

One of the world's largest mining companies, it claims to work with communities to assess local needs and respond with sustainable solutions but case studies 1 and 2 in the briefing UKplc in Latin America (PDF†) tell a different story.

 

Crown Resources, Alfa Group

Company behind the Prestige oil tanker which sank of the coast of Spain spilling millions of gallons of oil.

 

Esso (Exxon Mobil)

Esso, more than any other oil company, is sabotaging international action on climate change.

 

HSBC (PDF†)

Has financed companies involved in rainforest destruction, oil companies linked to human rights atrocities in Sudan and has been linked to the controversial Three Gorges Dam in China. Also criticised for directors' "fat cat" pay package.

 

Morgan Stanley

Involved in financing many controversial projects including the Three Gorges Dam in China and the Golmud-Lhasa Railway in Tibet.

 

Premier Oil

Exploring for gas in Kirthar National Park, Pakistan.

 

Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is involved in a controversial mine in Bolivia where it is difficult to see how the company is honouring its stated commitment to local needs and sustainability. See case study 2 in the UKplc in Latin America (PDF†) briefing for further information.

 

Shell

Shell makes many promises about the environment, health and sustainable development, but is not backing these up with action. Friends of the Earth, working with directly affected communities continues to campaign on the impacts of Shell's operations around the world.

 

Supermarkets

Supermarkets wield a formidable power over both their suppliers and their customers. This power is often abused to dictate terms and prices to their suppliers and eliminate competition.

 

Tesco

The UK's largest supermarket uses its power to boost profits at the expense of farmers, communities, the environment and animal welfare. It has also refused to take action itself on palm oil.

 

TotalFina (PDF†)

Chartered the oil tanker Erika which released 10-15,000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the sea 30nm off the coast of Brittany.

 

Water companies (PDF†)

Vivendi, Suez and Thames Water have all been criticised for their dirty environmental and social records.

 

For information on companies Friends of the Earth International groups are campaigning against click here.

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