BHP’s back down on decarbonisation shows fossil fuel companies can’t be trusted to lead on climate

BHP’s back down on decarbonisation shows fossil fuel companies can’t be trusted to lead on climate | Australian Greens Skip to main content Search Get Involved Join Donate Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Get Involved Join Donate Search Our plan Toggle Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Toggle Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Toggle Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement Toggle About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news BHP’s back down on decarbonisation shows fossil fuel companies can’t be trusted to lead on climate 2025-09-09 BHP has abandoned major renewable energy projects that would have cut its emissions this decade, a move inconsistent with climate science and the Climate Accord that will make it harder for Australia to meet its obligations as the nation’s largest mining company walks back its own targets.

BHP is also one of the world’s biggest polluters, among a small cohort of global corporations responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions. The Greens warn this is the inevitable risk of leaving climate action to the free market, where companies prioritise profit over planet. The government’s forthcoming 2035 emissions reduction targets, including more granular plans for sectors such as resources, must chart a clear pathway to net zero that holds major polluters to account.

Lines attributable to Australian Greens spokesperson for resources, Senator Steph Hodgins-May: “Fossil fuel giants are stepping back from decarbonisation the moment it cuts into their profit margins. “BHP is one of the world’s largest polluters, yet it has chosen to abandon projects that would have slashed its emissions. This decision flies in the face of climate science and the Climate Accord which BHP claims to support.

“As one of Australia’s largest companies, BHP is dragging us backwards on meaningful climate action. It makes it all the more worrying that fossil fuel giants have such a tight grip over government. “We have the technology and solutions ready to go.

What is missing is political and corporate willpower. Decarbonisation projects create jobs and investment, but BHP is more interested in protecting short-term shareholder profits. “On the eve of our 2035 targets being set, Australians are still waiting for bold leadership from the government that reins in out-of-control polluters and sets a genuine pathway to net zero.” Facebook for the Australian Greens YouTube for the Australian Greens X for the Australian Greens Instagram for the Australian Greens Bluesky for the Australian Greens Privacy Members website Your safety Contact us Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action In your language 2025 policy platform Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Federal portfolios Federal media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Upcoming events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Green Magazine All news Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Members website State/territory parties Contact us The Greens acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

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