Issue #3: Why do WE PAY THEM?
Let's move beyond fossil fuels
Did you know that the five fossil fuel “supermajors” – Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Total and BP – made a combined US$60 billion (AUD$87.3 billion) net profit in 3 months this year? Despite this profit gusher, fossil fuel companies paid a piddly 6.2% in royalties back to the Australian people.
Why is this? In one word: subsidies.
Australian gives billions to the fossil fuel industry every year. In fact, the revenue fossil fuel companies contribute is less than half of what taxpayers give them every year: Renew Economy calculates that each Australian taxpayer forks out $1712 a year for these subsidies.
It’s clearly time to change! Here are some actions you can take to make that change happen. 🌞 🍍
What can you do today?
The most-clicked link from our previous issue was the call for a fossil fuel ads and sponsorships ban.
If you have 5 minutes:
Let senators know that you want the Australian Government to end fossil fuel subsidies now.
Action: Sign GetUp’s petition to end the dangerous, dying fossil fuel industry.
What to share the message of climate action in your neighbourhood? Get a free Climate Action Now sign through Queensland Conservation Council and tell our decision makers that you stand for climate action.
Action: Order your free sign
If you have 15 minutes:
Do you own shares? Use your power to change the way fossil fuel companies behave by asking questions or supporting resolutions at their Annual General Meetings. Market Forces will take you through the steps and provide support.
Action: Sign up to become a shareholder who helps change company behaviour
The Queensland CAN Roadmap provides a plan for reducing Qld’s climate emissions through creating jobs and cutting pollution. Link up with others in your electorate to meet your State MP to tell them about the plan.
Action: Express an interest in meeting your MP about the Roadmap
If you have 30 minutes or more:
Learn more about how Australia subsidies the fossil fuel industry through tax breaks, direct handouts and public financing. Market Forces provides in depth, detailed analysis of how our money is used to prop up dirty fossil fuels on their website
Action: Read up on fossil fuel subsidies
Attend the Move Beyond Coal campaign launch to learn how to stop Australia’s biggest contribution to the climate crisis. You can attend in person in Brisbane on Wed 21 Sept 6-8pm. Not in Brisbane? Here are the regional events incl. Mackay and Gold Coast - and a special online one too!!
Wins
It’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to fossil fuel greed! Check out these latest wins from northern and regional Queensland:
Solar has been installed at Yeppoon Sewerage Treatment Plant, the first significant renewable energy infrastructure in Livingstone. Meanwhile, more than 8,400 solar panels have been installed at Townsville state schools, smashing the original targets through the ongoing efforts of Queensland climate action groups.
And in more great news for conservation, the government has provided a $636 million boost to fund an extra 88 Landcare Rangers and Indigenous Rangers groups across the country. Together they will help safeguard the land and safeguard our shared future.
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That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy this good climate news channel from TikTok if you’re wanting something uplifting!
Keep calling out the climate criminals and we’ll see you in two weeks!
Robyn (or is it?)
with Jan, Ron and Malcolm from Climate Club Qld
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