The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) endorsed on Thursday, September 26, 2024, the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty during its address at the United Nations General Assembly. The announcement makes them the 14th nation to join the growing call for a global, legally binding agreement to equitably phase out oil, gas and coal, and to implement a fast and fair energy transition.
This follows Wednesday’s endorsement by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Thursday’s backing from the US city of Philadelphia, reinforcing the growing global momentum toward a fossil-free future.
FSM’s announcement arrives in the wake of Australia’s decision to approve three new coal mine expansions – hone of which is projected to operate until 2048 – potentially releasing an additional 1.3 billion tonnes of emissions.
Australia, set to co-host COP31 alongside Pacific Island nations, has faced sharp criticism for these actions, as the Pacific region leads the charge for fossil fuel phase-out and climate justice.
During his speech at the general debate of the 79th UN General Assembly, President David W. Panuelo of FSM underscored the urgency of the climate crisis for his nation.
He said: “As we take action on non-CO2 pollutants, we also need all countries to come together and agree on a global plan to transition away from fossil fuels in a fair, just and equitable manner. In this connection, I am announcing that Micronesia endorses the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. We must accelerate all our efforts to tackle the climate crisis.”
Small island developing states make up the majority of the endorsing countries of the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative, with the Marshall Islands being the most recent Pacific nation to endorse during the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States – UN SIDS. FSM’s announcement further solidifies the Pacific’s leadership in the global movement to phase out fossil fuels.
Tina Stege, Climate Envoy of the Republic of Marshall Islands, said: “The continued development and use of fossil fuels is a grave threat to our island nations. We welcome the Federated States of Micronesia to the group of those pushing for a Fossil Fuel Treaty, which we believe can help safeguard the Pacific and the world for generations to come. Small islands like ours can not only lead by example, but also push the major emitters to do the same and deliver the end of the fossil fuel era, which must happen urgently and equitably.”
Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of Fiji, remarked: “Fiji commends the Federated States of Micronesia for joining the chorus of Pacific voices who are leading on this crucial Treaty initiative. This growing alliance sends a clear message of the urgency of phasing out fossil fuels in a just way. By supporting a negotiating mandate for a Treaty now, countries have the opportunity to help shape it and begin the necessary work to ensure it delivers climate justice for Small Island Developing States and frontline communities. By acting now, we can begin the necessary work to safeguard our people and planet from the irreversible impacts of climate change. The longer we wait, the greater the damage to our homes, livelihoods, and future.”
For FSM, climate change is not a distant threat – it is an urgent reality. Rising sea levels, which have increased by nearly 10 centimetres over the past decade, are threatening to submerge low-lying areas across the nation. Severe droughts and more intense typhoons, like Cyclone Yasa in 2021, have become devastating forces.
In 2023 alone, FSM experienced record-breaking sea surface temperatures, destroying coral reefs and fisheries vital to the country’s food security and economy. These climate impacts are driven by the continued extraction and use of fossil fuels, which are accelerating the crisis.
Kumi Naidoo, President of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said: “FSM’s bold stance exposes the hypocrisy of the fossil fuel industry, which profits from the destruction of communities like those in the Pacific. Their relentless pursuit of profit is driving us all toward disaster. It’s time for the world’s biggest polluters – including Australia – to take responsibility and end their addiction to fossil fuels. The Pacific is not just advocating for its future but also pushing the world to abandon an industry that’s putting everything we value at risk.”
FSM’s endorsement, coupled with Ban Ki-moon’s and the State of Philadelphia’s recent support, intensifies the global call for a just and immediate transition away from fossil fuels. As Australia prepares to co-host COP31, Pacific nations are sending a strong message: fossil fuel expansion has no place in a climate-safe future.
