Majority back using taxes to support vulnerable communities; 77 per cent would vote for pro-climate tax candidates

A vast majority of Indians believe oil, gas and coal corporations should be held financially accountable for the environmental damage they cause, according to a new Greenpeace and Oxfam-commissioned survey released at the ongoing Bonn Climate Conference 2025.

Four out of five respondents said fossil fuel companies should pay taxes to compensate for the damages linked to climate impacts such as floods, droughts, wildfires and public health crises. The survey highlights strong public sentiment in India in favour of climate justice and holding high-emission industries accountable.

When asked who should bear the cost of climate-related taxes, 53 per cent said oil and gas companies should pay, while another 23 per cent pointed to other businesses. A smaller share – 13 per cent – believed the tax burden should be on goods bought by people, and 10 per cent said it should extend to working individuals. Only 2 per cent opposed levying any tax on fossil fuels.

Accountability For Emissions
On the question of who should take primary financial responsibility within the fossil fuel ecosystem, 43 per cent of respondents said owners, shareholders, investors and executives should bear the brunt. Another 32 per cent pointed to consumers who disproportionately contribute to emissions — such as SUV owners and premium airline travellers — while 23 per cent favoured a tax on all consumers.

Support for using fossil fuel taxes to aid communities most affected by climate change was overwhelming: 87 per cent of Indians either “strongly support” or “support” the idea of increasing taxes on fossil fuels to fund frontline adaptation and relief. In contrast, only 13 per cent expressed opposition.

Tax Justice and Public Mandate
A striking 85 per cent of respondents backed government action to close tax loopholes exploited by the rich and multinational corporations, with an emphasis on reinvesting those revenues in climate adaptation and public services.

The survey also revealed a nuanced public view on the political influence of the fossil fuel industry: 48 per cent of Indians said these industries have a negative influence on the country’s politics, while 52 per cent believed their influence is positive.

Significantly, 77 per cent of respondents said they would support a political candidate who prioritises taxing the ultra-rich and highly polluting companies, indicating a clear electoral appetite for progressive climate and tax reforms.

Global Context
The release of the survey comes amid heightened debate over a global loss and damage financing mechanism at the Bonn Climate Conference. With climate-linked disasters rising in both frequency and severity, particularly across South Asia, the call for polluter-pays policies is gaining traction in both developed and developing economies.

Greenpeace and Oxfam, in their joint statement, said the findings underscore the urgent need for governments to adopt equitable taxation models that address both environmental degradation and social vulnerability.

As India prepares to update its climate financing and carbon pricing strategies ahead of COP30, the survey suggests that public opinion is squarely aligned with bolder fiscal action against polluters.