The impact of oil and gas company emissions on climate change is a hot topic that raises crucial questions about the environmental and social responsibility of these companies. A recent survey, conducted by Greenpeace International as part of its Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, shed light on public opinion on this sensitive subject.
The results of this survey, conducted by the Opinium Research agency among 8,000 adults in eight different countries, eloquently demonstrate that the majority of respondents consider that oil and gas companies, which profit from high emissions, should bear the greatest share of responsibility for financing the effects of climate change. This opinion, widely shared across borders and income levels, underlines the urgency of taxing the world’s biggest polluters such as Exxon, Chevron, Shell, Total, Equinor and Eni.
The link between oil and gas industry profits and rising energy prices is also highlighted, with 60% of respondents identifying this correlation. One way to address this is through Greenpeace International’s call for a fair climate tax on fossil fuel extraction by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. This could raise up to $900 billion by 2030, helping to offset the costs of annual climate loss and damage.
The survey also highlights respondents’ anger at oil and gas executives, who pocket huge bonuses while contributing to worsening climate change. In addition, concerns about the health risks associated with pollution from these companies and new oil and gas fields are amplified, as are disinformation and lobbying efforts to delay climate action.
In a context where the climate crisis is looming as a major challenge for present and future generations, it is more crucial than ever to highlight the responsibility of the main emitters of greenhouse gases. Taxing companies responsible for high emissions appears to be a fair and pragmatic solution, supported by a large majority of citizens around the world. It is time to act decisively to encourage polluters to assume their share of responsibility in the fight against climate change, while protecting our planet and future generations.