81 pc of respondents support taxing fossil fuel industries to pay for damages caused by climate disasters such as storms, floods, droughts and wildfires
An unprecedented global consensus has emerged, with an overwhelming majority of people supporting new taxes on oil, gas and coal corporations to fund compensation for climate-related loss and damage.
A global survey jointly commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International at the UN Climate Meetings (SB62) at Bonn in Germany, highlights growing frustration with governments for not doing enough to curb the political influence of the super-rich and polluting industries. It spanned 13 countries, including most G7 nations, and represents nearly half the world’s population.
Mads Christensen
“These survey results send a clear message that people are no longer buying the lies. They see the fingerprints of fossil fuel giants all over the storms, floods, droughts and wildfires devastating their lives, and they want accountability. By taxing the obscene profits of dirty energy companies, governments can unlock billions to protect communities and invest in real climate solutions. It is only fair that those who caused the crisis should pay for the damage, not those suffering from it,” says Mads Christensen, Executive Director, Greenpeace International.
Additionally, the study, conducted by Dynata, revealed that 81 pc of respondents support taxing fossil fuel industries to pay for damages caused by climate disasters such as storms, floods, droughts and wildfires. An even larger majority, 86 pc, want revenues from these taxes directed toward communities most impacted by climate change, particularly those in the Global South who have contributed least to global emissions but suffer most from their consequences.
The survey adds that when asked who should bear the financial burden, 66 pc named oil and gas companies, while only 5 pc supported taxing working people.
Moreover, the survey also found that 68 pc believe the fossil fuel industry and the super-rich exert a negative influence on national politics, and 77 pc would be more likely to support political candidates who prioritise taxing these groups.
According to the study, launched alongside the Polluters Pay Pact, a global alliance of frontline communities, first responders, trade unions, mayors and over 60 NGOs, the campaign demands that governments stop passing climate costs onto ordinary citizens and instead make polluters pay their fair share through new taxes and fines. The Pact is supported by voices from Australia to India, the Philippines to the United States and includes plaintiffs in landmark climate cases, adds the statement.
Amitabh Behar
“Fossil fuel companies have known for decades about the damage their polluting products wreak on humanity. Corporations continue to cash in on climate devastation, and their profiteering destroys the lives and livelihoods of millions of women, men and children, predominantly those in the Global South who have done the least to cause the climate crisis. Governments must listen to their people and hold polluters responsible for their damages. A new tax on polluting industries could provide immediate and significant support to climate-vulnerable countries and finally incentivise investment in renewables and a just transition,” says Amitabh Behar, Executive Director, Oxfam International.