THE CASE AGAINST FOSSIL FUELS.
An in-depth look at the true cost of fossil fuels, and why we need to transition to 100% renewable energy sources now.
The mining and burning of fossil fuels is the number one driver of the dangerous climate change that is threatening our planet.
While coal, oil, and gas have powered our world for over a century, their use has come at enormous cost to the climate, human health and security. The case against fossil fuels has never been stronger.
Business as usual is not an option if we want a clean, safe and thriving future for our planet. The transition to renewable energy is now inevitable, but we need to act fast to avoid the most catastrophic effects of global warming and fossil fuel pollution.
Australia, and the world, has an opportunity to speed up its transition towards renewable energy - a vital step towards a safer future and healthier planet. The sooner this occurs, the sooner we leave behind a corrupt industry which is environmentally, socially and economically unviable.
Global warming
The mining and burning of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases and drives dangerous global warming, the number one threat to our planet today. Rising temperatures are leading to worse extreme weather events like bushfires, droughts, and cyclones, rising sea levels, and ocean acidification.
Devastating health impacts
Air pollution from fossil fuel emissions has been linked to asthma, reduced lung function, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and preterm births. It’s estimated that 3.7 million premature deaths are connected to air pollution each year, rising to between 6 and 9 million by 2060.
Compromising food security
Crop yields, soil health, and livestock are already being affected by heat stress, drought, and shifting rainfall patterns.
Shifting rainfall patterns and water contamination
Climate change is leading to drought in places like Australia, while other areas are experiencing increased rainfall and devastating floods. The mining of fossil fuels also uses up precious water supplies and contaminates water sources.
Destroying ecosystems and threatening biodiversity
Rapid shifts in temperature and rainfall mean animals can’t adapt fast enough to keep up, putting 1,125 species of mammals and 1,150 species of birds at risk of extinction due to climate change.
Harming Indigenous communities
Climate change is disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities. Fossil fuel companies and governments continue to disregard the rights of First Nations peoples, trampling their right to self-determination and causing fossil fuel pollution on their lands.
Impacting regional communities
The fossil fuel sector often relies on fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers. This set-up negatively alters the fabric of regional communities, and impacts the physical and psychological health of workers.
Crippling economic consequences
The economic impacts of climate change are predicted to shrink the world’s economy by 3% by 2050, and cost the Australian economy $3.4 trillion by 2070.
Institutional corruption
The fossil fuel industry has contributed millions in political donations to Australia’s major political parties. In turn, it receives generous subsidies and tax breaks and expedited project approvals, while some of its wealthiest players continue to pay zero tax.
Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science and Director of the Earth System Science Center.
"As a scientist, who has spent decades studying the impact on our climate of greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of coal, oil and gas, the case against fossil fuels is absolutely clear. We must, with utmost urgency, cease using these destructive energy sources and make the shift to a society powered by cleaner, safer renewable energy.
As Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s report lays bare, the case against fossil fuels has never been stronger. The case could not be clearer: we must act boldly and immediately."
What we’re doing to fight fossil fuels, and how you can get involved.
At Greenpeace, we’re committed to doing everything we can to fight the use of fossil fuels, and steer the world towards a safe, brighter future powered by renewable energy. But we need your help. Join one of our campaigns to learn more about what we do, and how you can help.
Calling on Australia’s Biggest Climate Polluter to clean up its act
AGL is Australia’s biggest climate polluter by a long shot. We’re calling on it to rapidly close it’s coal-burning power stations and replace them with clean and safe renewable electricity by 2030.
REenergising Australian business
REenergise calls on some of Australia’s biggest energy using companies to make the switch to 100% renewable electricity, because it’s better for the environment, and it’s better for the bottom line.
