A bombshell new report has warned that BP could contribute to an additional 72,000 heat deaths around the world, after the oil giant decided to scrap a number of net zero pledges, including electric car measures.
The fossil fuel giant had originally committed to cutting production by 40 per cent by 2030 relative to 2019 levels, although this target was first reduced to 25 per cent in 2023 before being abandoned entirely.
According to Global Witness, the increased emissions from burning more oil and gas will have deadly consequences extending decades into the future.
The analysis uses the mortality cost of carbon methodology to calculate the human impact of BP's climate strategy reversal.
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BP said it would roll back several key net zero pledges
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Global Witness estimates that approximately 409,000 additional heat deaths could be avoided by the end of the century if the company stuck to its initial commitment.
This total figure includes the 72,000 heat deaths projected from increased emissions until 2030. Between 2031 and 2050, BP's strategy reset will likely result in an additional 338,000 heat deaths, according to the analysis.
The net zero target BP originally set in 2020 committed the firm to cutting oil and gas production by 40 per cent by 2030.
This climate goal has now been completely abandoned after being previously reduced to a 25 per cent cut in 2023.
The British fossil fuel giant increased investment into oil and gas by around $10billion (£7.54billion) per year, while cutting planned funding for renewables by more than $5billion (£3.77billion).
BP said it would have "selective investment" in biogas, biofuels and electric vehicle charging as part of its aim to focus the portfolio round BP's core integrated positions.
BP Pulse is the fourth-largest charge point operator in the UK, with 4,143 devices around the UK. Despite this, it has less than half of the total installed by Shell Recharge Ubitricity.
It also has the third-largest rapid or ultra-rapid charging network, with 1,450 devices, falling just behind InstaVolt (1,842) and Tesla Supercharger (1,894).
The criticism comes from a significant portion of BP's investors concerned about the company's climate strategy reversal.
Sarah Biermann Becker, senior investigator at Global Witness, condemned BP's actions: "After a year of unprecedented climate disasters, people want to see firm action to keep our world liveable for generations to come, but oil giants like BP appear to be laughing in our faces.
"Their deplorable climate U-turn will have deadly consequences, with tens of thousands of people set to pay the price for the firm's prioritisation of short-term gains over the health of our planet."
Similarly, Hadrien Goux, head of the fossil fuel campaign at BLOOM, stated: "By deciding to come back on their climate pledge, BP is intentionally choosing to risk these lives in the name of short-term profits."
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BP said it would invest billions more into oil and gas production
PAHe also called for stronger action: "It is more than time that such decisions are criminalised."
GB News has contacted BP for a comment.
