A new report released today by Greenpeace reveals how a handful of major polluting corporations such as Eskom, BASF, ArcelorMittal, BHP Billiton, Shell and Koch Industries, as well as the industry associations that they are members of, are influencing governments and the political process on climate legislation.

“Our governments must work with and learn from the business sector but we will not avoid irreversible climate change impacts unless they listen to and act on the behalf of their citizens. In Durban, it’s time for governments to listen to the people, not the polluting corporations” – said Kumi Naidoo Greenpeace International Executive Director.

The ‘Who’s holding us back’ report helps to demonstrate why decisive action on the climate is being increasingly ousted from the political agenda. The report summarises the lack of action at a national level in several key countries to build the right reconditions to a global climate agreement, which stands in stark contrast to public opinion demanding change. (2)

“In this report, we document the tricks of the trade that polluting corporations use to pull the strings of our politicians and mislead the public. We expose the web of influence that sees these companies play not only our leaders, but entire countries against each other to hold back action on the climate” – said Tzeporah Berman, Co-director of Greenpeace International Climate and Energy Program.

The corporations most responsible for contributing to climate change emissions and profiting from those activities are campaigning to increase their access to international negotiations and, at the same time, working to defeat progressive legislation on climate change and energy around the world.

Greenpeace is calling on governments in Durban to listen to the people and not the polluting corporations, and:

• Ensure a peak in global emissions by 2015

• Emission reductions: Close the gap between politics and science

• Ensure that the Kyoto Protocol continues and provide a mandate for a comprehensive legally binding instrument

• Deliver the necessary climate finance

• Set up a framework for protecting forests in developing countries

• Address the needs of the most vulnerable countries and communities

• Ensure global cooperation on technology and energy finance

• Ensure international transparency in assessing and monitoring country commitments and actions

• Ensure transparency, democracy and full participation in the UNFCCC process