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New Fossil Fuel Treaty

person holding poster that states "It's time for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty"

During COP28, Colombia alongside Palau, Samoa, and Nauro signed on to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, a global and multi-faceted approach to building international pressure for a transition towards clean energy, bringing the total number of countries signed on up to 12. This comes after Antigua and Barbuda and Timor-Leste joined on to the treaty during Climate Week 2023.

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is “an initiative to phase-out fossil fuels and fast-track climate solutions inspired by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.” It consists of 3 pillars: non-proliferation, global disarmament, and peaceful transition. The three pillars focus on phasing out fossil fuels, staying in line with Paris 1.5C goal, and ending exploration and production of coal, oil and gas.

The treaty is supported by organizations such as the World Health Organization and over 2,500 civil society organizations including Channel grantee partners Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), Women’s Environment & Development Organization (WEDO), and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director of WECAN, is a member of the Steering Committee for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. WECAN continues its efforts to uphold the treaty, urge governments to sign on to the treaty, and advocate for a call to action to slow the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.

In June, 2023, WECAN signed on to “California Senate: Endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty” to call for the California Senate to endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. On September 1, 2023 the State of California made history by endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Alex Rafalowicz, Executive Director of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative states in response that “as the largest economy to embrace the Fossil Fuel Treaty, California sets a powerful example to the international community, underscoring the urgency of fast-tracking an equitable transition away from oil, gas and coal.”