Make Polluters Pay for Climate Disasters

Why is this important?

"It looked like the apocalypse." [1] That's how firefighters described this summer's wildfires.

From Spain to France, Greece to Portugal, more than 300,000 people have been evacuated as forests, homes and lives disappear in smoke. [2] Entire families forced to say goodbye to a lifetime of memories, their savings, and the places they grew up. 

These disasters are no longer rare. Every summer, Europe burns a little more.

Experts say Europe needs €12 billion to protect people from future wildfires. Last year alone, the biggest oil and gas companies made around €40 billion in profits. Shell alone made almost €18 billion. [3]

While homes burn, the big polluters driving the climate crisis continue to profit. 

Right now, the EU is deciding its next long-term budget. [4] 

One solution is obvious: make oil and gas giants pay for the protection Europe urgently needs. That money could help protect us from climate disasters now and for years to come. But it's still missing from the EU's budget plans.

The money exists. It's just in the wrong hands.

If enough of us speak up now, we still have a chance to make polluters pay instead of leaving ordinary people to foot the bill. Those billions could help protect people from future wildfires, floods and heatwaves - while helping Europe break free from the fossil fuels driving the climate crisis.

Will you sign the petition and tell the EU to make polluters pay?

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