Greenpeace Africa Calls for Fair Taxation of the Super-Rich to Fund Climate Action.
By Peace Muthoka.
Nairobi, Kenya — Hundreds of Greenpeace Africa volunteers gathered in Nairobi, forming a giant human banner in the shape of the African continent with a bold message: “Tax the Super-rich for People and Planet.” The powerful display came as delegates met for the third round of negotiations at the UN Tax Convention (UNTC), where activists demanded urgent global tax reforms to fund climate action and sustainable development.
The volunteers’ action aimed to spotlight the growing inequality in global finance and the need to hold billionaires and major polluting corporations accountable for their environmental and social impacts. Greenpeace called on governments to ensure that those who profit most from pollution and inequality contribute fairly through taxation.
Nina Stros, Policy Expert at Greenpeace International and head of the Greenpeace delegation, said the current global tax system is “outdated and unjust,” allowing the super-rich and oil giants to profit while avoiding taxes and worsening the climate crisis.
“Governments must deliver strong commitments with clear mechanisms to tax polluting billionaires and corporations,” she said. “Instead of a race to the bottom with lower corporate tax rates, nations must unite behind new global tax rules that finally hold the super-rich to account.”
The Nairobi talks, held from November 10 to 19, coincide with COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where world leaders are also debating how to close the 1.5°C climate ambition gap and mobilize funding for climate and nature protection. The UNTC discussions are seen as a critical opportunity to secure additional public finance by taxing the world’s wealthiest individuals and the profits of oil and gas corporations.
Currently, countries lose an estimated US$492 billion annually due to tax evasion and the use of offshore havens by multinationals and the ultra-wealthy. Profit shifting in extractive industries alone reportedly costs governments US$44 billion in lost tax revenue each year.
Fred Njehu, Fair Share Global Political Lead at Greenpeace Africa, said the growing inequality is unacceptable.
“The world is not a billionaire’s playground for them to get richer at the expense of our health, security, and democracy,” Njehu said. “It’s time to tax billionaires and polluting corporations and direct these funds toward public services, sustainable development, and tackling the climate crisis.”
Oxfam estimates that a permanent polluter profits tax on oil and gas corporations could raise US$400 billion in its first year. Meanwhile, a modest 5% tax on multimillionaires and billionaires could generate up to US$1.7 trillion annually, helping bridge the global climate finance gap.
Murtala Touray, Programme Director at Greenpeace Africa, emphasized that the Nairobi negotiations mark a historic chance to correct systemic inequalities in the global economy.
“Africa initiated this process to create a binding UN tax convention that serves all nations, not just a few wealthy ones,” he said. “Tax justice isn’t charity — it’s a fundamental right and the essence of our sovereignty.”
Greenpeace’s key demands for the UNTC negotiators include:
- Effective taxation of high-net-worth individuals, with funds directed to climate and public service investments.
- Progressive environmental taxation in line with the “polluter pays” principle.
- Polluter taxes on fossil fuel company profits, with revenues channelled to multilateral climate funds for vulnerable communities.
The Greenpeace delegation, which has also attended previous rounds of negotiations in New York, reiterated that the Nairobi talks present a defining opportunity for governments to unite behind fair taxation and deliver the resources urgently needed to protect both people and the planet.
