Riding the wave of political momentum around the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, two influential change agents whose climate-focused events are taking New York City this September are adding their voices to the global movement: Climate Group and Global Citizen.
Standing as a visionary initiative that provides a platform for forging alliances between governments and many sectors of society, the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal aims to accelerate and manage the end of the fossil fuel industry by expediting an equitable phase-out of oil, gas and coal, and a just transition towards safer and cleaner energy sources. The Treaty is expected to be one of the big highlights at civil society events and the multilateral gatherings happening in New York City this September, including the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Partnering with Climate Group, the lead organization behind New York Climate Week, and Global Citizen, the organisers of the Global Citizen Festival, means the Fossil Fuel Treaty will be featured as a prominent demand at both major events. The Global Citizen Festival 2023 will gather thousands of people in Central Park’s iconic Great Lawn on Saturday 23, bringing headliners like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Anitta, D-Nice, Conan Gray, Sofia Carson, and Stray Kids.
The support from these organisations adds up to the diplomatic efforts of a growing bloc of six Pacific Islands Nations – Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, the Solomon Islands – who are boldly championing a negotiating mandate for a new Treaty. These government endorsements were very recently followed with an especially weighty endorsement by the State of California.
A trailblazing force in climate action, Climate Group brings its extensive and powerful network of influential leaders, governments and businesses to fortify the global campaign behind a Treaty. Renowned for pioneering campaigns and a collaborative approach, unlocking the power of collective action to move whole systems such as energy, transport, the built environment, industry and food to a cleaner future, Climate Group is uniquely positioned to propel the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative forward.
Sam Kimmins, Director of Energy at Climate Group, said: “We’re delighted to support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative today. The challenge of moving away from fossil fuels to clean energy is not only at the heart of climate action but is also critical for a successful and efficient modern economy. At Climate Group, we’re determined to make it easier for businesses to source renewable electricity by tearing down barriers to investment, expanding clean power like wind and solar, and pushing for the phase out of old, antiquated fossil fuels.”
Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder & Chief Policy, Impact and Government Relations Officer, Global Citizen, said: “If the world is to stay within safe limits of global warming and achieve net zero emissions by 2050, new investment in fossil fuel production needs to stop altogether. Yet, we still see new oil and gas licences being granted all the time. The incentives of the system are not geared toward an orderly fossil fuel phase out, or set up to assist the world’s poorest countries – who are being hit by climate change the hardest – to a clean energy transition.
“We need to change those incentives and encourage all countries, rich and poor, to collaborate and address the climate crisis while building economies that work for everyone. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a groundbreaking initiative designed to do just that, and we look forward to building momentum for a more equitable green transition for everyone.”
The convergence of these two influential organisations underscores the growing global momentum for comprehensive climate action. Through the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative, they aim to pave the way for an international accord that accelerates the world’s transition away from the deadly grip of oil, gas and coal, propelling communities and the planet toward a cleaner, safer and more sustainable energy future.
Tzeporah Berman, Chair and Founder of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said: “We are thrilled and deeply grateful for the remarkable support we are receiving from Climate Group and Global Citizen. This unified backing sends an unequivocal message to the fossil fuel industry that whether they like it or not, their era is coming to an end. With these influential partners by our side, joining thousands of faith, human rights, indigenous and climate organisations around the world, as well as governments from the South Pacific, we are calling on nation states to cooperate to stop the expansion of deadly fossil fuels. Together, we can stand up to this industry and build a future that’s equitable, safe, healthy, and truly transformative.”
The Treaty proposal also has the formal support of the European Parliament, the World Health Organisation and more than 2,500 health professionals, and the President of Timor-Leste. These calls from governments are backed by a diverse and global campaign network that consists of 3,000 scientists and academics, 650 parliamentarians from 84 countries, 101 Nobel laureates and over 2,000 civil society organisations who have all backed the core pillars of the proposed treaty.
