By joining the Polluters Pay Pact you’re becoming part of a global Greenpeace movement, with offices around the world joining forces to demand fairness from big oil, coal and gas corporations. 

Together we are calling on the Australian Government to put a price on climate pollution targeting big coal, oil & gas corporations. The Government has the power to make those most responsible for climate change pay their fair share and address the urgent need for finances in Australia and the Pacific.

By making polluters pay, we can: 

1. Protect people’s health: Fund emergency services to help people during climate disasters.

2. Prioritise justice and fairness: Ensure communities most impacted and least responsible for the climate crisis are supported and can self-determine how they prepare for and recover from impacts. This includes funds for First Nations and Pacific peoples. 

3. Equip first responders: Provide the tools and resources needed to respond to escalating bushfires, floods and heatwaves.

4. Make homes and infrastructure resilient: Strengthen homes and city infrastructure -  roads, rail and utilities - to better withstand extreme weather.

5. Provide a financial safety net: Ensure disaster relief and rebuilding efforts are funded so families aren’t left paying the bill.
   
   

6. Compensate for losses and damages related to extreme weather events  - even though many losses cannot be replaced by money.

7. Fund a just transition: Support the transition to renewable energy and ensure the communities and workers most impacted by this change have the support they need.

What we are proposing

We are calling for a climate pollution levy to directly target fossil fuel extraction in Australia, aiming to raise $46 billion each year initially.

How would this work?

The government would introduce a price on fossil fuel extraction (coal, oil and gas), in line with the carbon emissions that activity produces. The levy would be set at a rate that makes extraction less economically viable to ensure a real reduction in fossil fuel production. 

Where does the money go?

By collecting payment in the form of a levy, it means that funds can be specifically allocated. We want income from this levy to go into a climate compensation fund. From here, money will be re-allocated to climate-impacted communities, and also to fund a fast and fair transition away from fossil fuels. 

Is this realistic?

Yes! This concept isn’t new. Many countries around the world have a price on climate pollution. You can find out more about the details of this policy and how it would work here.