Jakarta – A new global survey launched during the UN climate talks in Bonn has found overwhelming public support for making fossil fuel corporations pay for the damage they have caused through the climate crisis. According to the poll commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International, 81% of people across 13 countries support taxing oil, gas, and coal companies to fund recovery from climate-related disasters such as floods, wildfires, and droughts.
The survey, conducted by Dynata and covering countries representing nearly half the world’s population, revealed consistent support across political affiliations, income brackets, and age groups. The findings were released alongside the “Polluters Pay Pact,” a campaign backed by over 60 NGOs and civil society groups, which calls for governments to impose new taxes and fines on fossil fuel companies.
Speaking at the press conference on Thursday, June 19, Rebecca Newsom, global political lead for Greenpeace’s “Stop Drilling, Start Paying” campaign, said: “We are seeing fossil fuel-driven climate disasters increasing in frequency and intensity. Yet the public believes the companies responsible should bear the cost, not everyday people struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.”
Newsom emphasised that there is growing political momentum for taxing polluters. “From legislative pushes in the Philippines and Iraq to the new solidarity levies task force and the upcoming UN tax convention, the window for meaningful action is wide open,” she said.
The survey also found that 86% of respondents believe the revenue from polluter taxes should be channelled to communities most affected by climate change. “Governments should feel emboldened that there is a strong public mandate to scale up public finance,” Newsom added.
Ashfaq Khalfan, Director of Climate Justice at Oxfam America, highlighted the consistency of support across ideological lines. “In Canada, 75% of people support these taxes, including 58% of conservative voters. In Germany, even half of the far-right AfD supporters backed taxing fossil fuel companies,” he said. In Brazil, which will host COP30 later this year, support reached 91%.
The press conference also included comments from Vishal Prasad, director of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, who underscored the disproportionate impact of climate disasters on countries least responsible for the crisis.
The call to action comes as negotiators in Bonn continue to debate how to raise USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to support climate adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. The Polluters Pay Pact advocates redirecting the profits of major polluters toward just and equitable climate finance.
With 77% of respondents also stating they would support political candidates who prioritise taxing the super-rich and fossil fuel industries, Greenpeace and Oxfam argue there is no excuse for governments to delay action.
“People are no longer buying the lies,” said Greenpeace International Executive Director Mads Christensen in the accompanying statement. “They see the fingerprints of fossil fuel giants all over the storms and wildfires devastating their lives. It’s time for accountability.” (nsh)
Banner photo: June 16, 2025. Lara Murillo/UN Climate Change
