Ford has chosen to build its new F-150 electric truck at the cost of people’s lives in the Amazon.

Ford’s supply chain goes all the way to a plant owned by the aluminum giant Norsk Hydro, in Northern Brazil. That plant is responsible for dumping contaminated water into the rivers of the Amazon -- and strong evidence suggests it was the origin of a nightmare for local communities.

Due to the contamination, family members are sick and dying. And now, 11,000 locals are suing Norsk. They need your help to make their voices heard by getting Ford to pull out.

In 2018, Norsk Hydro’s waste, in red mud with aluminum, contaminated the rivers and waterways of Barcarena, a small city in Pará, North of Brazil. The company said it was “unacceptable” but still denies it has anything to do with people in the area getting sick.

But people are dying of cancer, and babies are born with malformations. The whole community is struggling with chronic fatigue and memory loss. And the locals say their health problems started after the spill in 2018. The community will deal with these health problems for generations whilst Norsk Hydro keeps profiting.

There are 11,000 reasons why Ford has to do better. The community is suing Norsk Hydro to ensure the company is liable for ten incidents that poured toxic waste into the community, its rivers and streams.

Ford needs to stop getting its materials from unethical and dangerous companies like Norsk Hydro if it wants to be a leader in sustainable car manufacturing.

Ekō members can be the pressure we need to make the voices of the people of Barcarena echo around the world. We must expose the kind of dirty business big companies such as Ford are involved in, and help bring justice to this community. Add your name.

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