The climate crisis is causing unprecedented devastation, yet oil and gas corporations continue to reap enormous profits
The climate crisis is leaving no stone unturned, with extreme weather events threatening communities around the world. The devastating impacts of climate change are undeniable, and the consequences are being felt by people in all corners of the globe. However, amidst the growing costs of climate impacts, a more pressing issue has emerged: the billionaire-polluter class has never had it so good. Profits of oil and gas corporations have remained remarkably high, with five major companies alone (ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP, and TotalEnergies) reporting a cumulative profit of over US$100 billion in 2024. These corporations are handing shareholders significant payouts, while promising even more dividends and share repurchases in the future. The situation is stark, with the oil and gas industry raking in billions, while the people and communities affected by their actions are struggling to cope. The Numbers Speak for Themselves

• Five major oil and gas corporations reported a cumulative profit of over US$100 billion in 2024.
• The same companies are promising shareholders even more payouts in the future.
• Meanwhile, the people and communities affected by climate change are struggling to cope.

A Sector with a Devastating Impact
The oil and gas industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with half of the world’s CO2 emissions coming from just 36 fossil fuel firms. These corporations have damaged the health and livelihoods of communities around the world for decades, with devastating consequences. The case of Shell in the Niger Delta is a stark example of the industry’s impact. The company’s operations have caused birth defects, reduced productivity in local farming and fishing, and had a significant impact on the environment. Time to Make the Polluters Pay
The situation is clear: the billionaire-polluter class has never had it so good. However, this is not a case of people over profits. Rather, it’s a matter of political will. The Polluters Pay Pact is calling for bold taxes and fines on greedy oil and gas corporations and other polluters to make them pay for the damages they have caused and help communities across the world recover, rebuild, and invest in climate solutions. Growing Public Pressure
Public pressure for urgent action is growing by the day. A recent poll found that 71% of people across all G20 countries support the idea that people and companies that pollute the environment should pay higher taxes, with the money raised shared out among people and companies who pollute less. Big Opportunities to Make Polluters Pay in 2025
So what are the big opportunities to make polluters pay in 2025? Thanks to the work of many inspiring activists around the world, the momentum is already here and growing. Now it’s up to us to raise the pressure on political leaders so that their warm words turn into real action. Here are some of the moments where we have a chance to work together to push for big change:

1. United Nations Tax Convention: Governments will begin official negotiations in August for a new global tax agreement that could include new rules to make multinational oil and gas companies pay their fair share.
2. 4th International Conference on Financing for Development: Country leaders will meet in July at a big United Nations conference in Spain to discuss ways to make the global economic system fairer. It’s a big chance to raise the pressure on making fossil fuel polluters pay up.
3. Global Solidarity Levies Task Force: 17 countries and groups of countries have joined a new coalition focused on taxing polluters more to raise money for climate action and development. They have promised to make tangible commitments this year. We call on them to act without delay.
4. Baku to Belém Roadmap to US$1.3 Trillion per year by 2035: Following the outcome of the COP29 United Nations climate talks in Azerbaijan, governments agreed to come up with a plan to increase international climate finance for lower-income countries, who are facing the greatest impacts from the climate crisis despite being the least responsible. Making polluters pay is an obvious solution to help raise the money that’s urgently needed.

Join the Polluters Pay Pact Now
These are just a few examples of the big moments happening this year globally where we have a chance to raise the pressure on governments to make polluters – not people – pay for the climate crisis. If enough of us join the Polluters Pay Pact now, we can unite climate-impacted communities, concerned citizens, first responders, politicians, humanitarian groups, economists, and campaign organisations so that it becomes impossible for governments to ignore. There Has Never Been a Better Time to Push for Action
There has never been a better time to push for action. Join and share the Polluters Pay Pact now so that we can work together and make this a reality! Who pays for the damage from extreme weather? It’s time to make the polluters pay. Sign now to hold the oil and gas corporations accountable, and support a safe and fair future for all. Add Your Name
Add your name to the growing list of people who demand that polluters pay for the climate crisis. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for all.