Despite growing calls to do something to protect the planet, standing up to polluters can be deadly according to a new report.

The report report Enemies of the State? from the UK-based group Global Witness says 164 environmental campigners were killed last year, which comes out to three or more murders per week in 2018.  That's a drop from the 2017 peak of 201, but also reflects that many governments are employing non-lethal means of quashing dissent.

The Philippines was found to be the deadliest country for environmental defenders in 2018, with 30 environmentalists murdered.  

"These are ordinary people trying to protect their homes and livelihoods, and standing up for the health of our planet," the group said in a release.  "Countless more people were threatened, arrested or thrown in jail for daring to oppose the governments or companies seeking to profit from their land," Global Witness said.  

Globally, mining is the most dangerous industry to oppose with 43 activists murdered.