“The immense power of the fossil fuel lobby is a huge challenge. Our work to expose their influence is vital.”- Dominic Eagleton - Senior Campaigner, Global Witness

Dominic is a Senior Campaigner for Global Witness, an international NGO dedicated to holding corporations and governments accountable for their destruction of the environment and their failure to protect human rights.

What does the change you are trying to achieve look like? Why is the EU important?

As a member of the Fossil Fuels team I focus on  exposing the harmful practices of the fossil fuel industry and advocating for meaningful climate policies. We investigate to expose the fossil fuel lobby's attempts to block or delay climate action and to bring transparency and accountability to climate decision-making, for example during COP29.

Awareness of climate breakdowns is growing, driven by recent catastrophic events like the floods in Valencia and hurricanes in Mexico. These disasters underscore the increasing severity of climate impacts, from destroyed homes to ravaged farmland, especially in poorer nations that contribute the least to the problem but suffer the most. Meanwhile, fossil fuel companies make extraordinary profits and are the prime drivers of climate change. These corporations are responsible for 90% of carbon emissions, yet they receive billions in public subsidies, and avoid paying for the damage they cause. The financial burden of climate destruction falls on taxpayers and vulnerable communities worldwide.

Despite the challenges, there is momentum internationally to redirect the revenues of polluting industries towards climate action. We want the EU to tax fossil fuel companies and use the profits they make from polluting to pay for the damage caused by climate change.

Our Brussels-based team has successfully influenced EU policies in the past. One notable success to which Global Witness contributed was the revision of the EU Gas Directive. It now requires fossil fuel companies to prepare for a transition to renewable energy for domestic heating. Going forward, to advance the idea of taxing the fossil fuel industry, we are conducting in-depth policy research to identify strategic targets and develop compelling approaches.

Which challenges are you facing?

One of the greatest challenges is the immense power and influence of the fossil fuel lobby. These industries are adept at blocking or delaying critical policies designed to protect the climate. This is why our work to expose their influence is so vital.

Another significant obstacle is the complexity of advocating for taxes on the fossil fuel industry. Companies often argue that such measures will lead to disinvestment in the EU and job losses, presenting a major hurdle to policy implementation.

One tip you want to share with other public interest advocates?

Get out there and meet people and collaborate. Find “unusual bedfellows”. Sometimes, allies can emerge from unexpected places — such as progressive businesses willing to cooperate on climate initiatives.