Support for gas taxes to pay climate bill

Australians want more from governments on climate change as record floods and extreme weather wreak havoc across the eastern states.

A landmark report released on Thursday shows record levels of concern and strong support for higher taxes on fossil fuels.

The Climate of the Nation Report, which has been tracking public opinion on climate change for 15 years, also reveals a growing frustration at energy companies and a strong appetite to transition away from gas and coal-fired power.

Despite new climate laws locking in carbon emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2050, most Australians surveyed want governments to do more to prepare for climate damage and to stop new sources of pollution.

Three-quarters (75 per cent) are concerned about climate change, with the number of those "very concerned" continuing to increase year on year, the Australia Institute report found.

Some 83 per cent of Australians are concerned climate change will result in more bushfires, and that droughts and floods will affect crop production and food supplies.

Four in five (80 per cent) back a "climate trigger" for the environment minister to knock back future fossil fuel projects.

Almost two-thirds (61 per cent) support a windfall, or one-off, profits tax on the oil and gas industry, as companies profit from high energy prices sparked by war in Ukraine.

Support for a new tax is broad, with majority support across age, state, gender and voting intentions.

Almost two-thirds (62 per cent) support a levy on fossil fuel exports to help local governments respond to the cost of climate change.

Institute spokesman and former climate negotiator Richie Merzian said opportunities from the energy transition are recognised by many Australians. 

Most agree that tackling climate change will create opportunities, jobs, and investment in regional Australia, and they support vocational training and industry support.

But the data also shows Australians are "fed up with the mismanagement of the country's natural resource wealth", he said.

"Australians are dealing with the high-cost consequences of relying on gas and coal power and three quarters want the government to step in and plan the shift to renewables and storage," he said.

More than two thirds of Australians want the country to host international climate negotiations.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen will lead Australia's delegation at the United Nations climate negotiations in Cairo next week to spruik his new policies and clean energy ambition, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will skip the event. 

Mr Merzian, who will be at the climate talks representing the independent institute, said Australia would struggle to be credible as a "clean energy export superpower" while a leading exporter of gas and coal.