Communities on the frontline of the climate crisis are facing unaffordable bills, while fossil fuel companies reap huge profits.
A group of campaigners dressed as mock charity fundraisers have visited Shell and BP's London offices to urge them to donate any "Spare change for climate change".
The group of nearly 30 campaigners from groups including CAFOD and Christian Aid went to the fossil fuel companies’ offices wearing yellow tabards and carried buckets and donation jars.
Campaigners from Christian Climate Action, Green Christian and Operation Noah also joined the stunt.
The stunt took place ahead of the start of COP29 on Monday 11 November. The UN climate conference will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Leaders negotiate new climate cash deal at COP29
Governments at COP29 will negotiate an agreement on how to provide greater financial support to communities around the world hardest hit by the climate crisis – funding known as 'international climate finance'.
Campaigners argue that governments must tax major polluters such as fossil fuel companies to raise further money to fund the climate finance pot. This will ensure low-income countries have the resources needed to prepare for climate disasters and rebuild after emergencies.
Fossil fuel companies 'must pick up climate bill'
Liam Finn, Campaigns Manager at Catholic aid agency CAFOD, said:
“The climate crisis is hitting people around the world that have done least to cause it. Meanwhile, fossil fuel companies are reaping huge profits from driving the crisis.
“World leaders at COP29 must commit to providing those who are bearing the brunt of the climate emergency with the funding they need to cope – and fossil fuel companies must help to pick up the bill.”
Andii Bowsher, Green Christian Trustee, said:
"The Bible encourages us to work towards situations where those who do social wrongs pay back fourfold what they have taken from the most poor and vulnerable.
“Asking oil companies for their spare change is the very least. They should, of course, be major donors funding the repair and making better of the climate damages already underway as well as resources to stop the worst scenarios of the future."
Call for polluters to pay for the climate crisis
Let’s call for leaders at COP29 to make sure polluters pick up the bill for the climate crisis.