Posted on September, 21 2023

New York, USA (21 September) - WWF is joining the global campaign for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to help end the era of coal, oil, and gas - the primary drivers of the catastrophic climate crisis wreaking havoc across the planet.

The Treaty campaign is a global effort, spearheaded by a bloc of Pacific nations, to foster international cooperation to accelerate a transition to clean energy for everyone, end the expansion of coal, oil and gas, and equitably phase out existing production. This builds on decades of calls and campaigns for a fossil fuel phase out and fair energy transition by government, civil society, Indigenous, grassroots and other leaders - particularly from the Global South. It aims to complement the Paris Agreement, which does not mention fossil fuels.

Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, WWF Global Climate and Energy Lead, and President of COP20, said: "The single greatest climate action we can take is to stop burning fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels and industry account for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. For many reasons, big polluters avoid taking action to phase out fossil fuels. And when it is brought up in negotiations, vested interests block ambition and progress. 

“The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty aims to stop fossil fuel exploration, expansion and to phase-out existing production while supporting a just transition to renewable energy. It took the world 21 years to get a global treaty on climate change. Now we must urgently push for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to achieve the course-correction on climate action we need. There is no time for dithering, procrastinating, or passing the blame. We are all responsible. By joining this great campaign, we hope to do our part to convince governments that this is the right thing to do. For the planet, for our children and for our future.''

Alex Rafalowicz, Director of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, said: "We are very excited to get formal support from WWF, an organization with a track record of forging impactful partnerships with governments to advance environmental initiatives. From its pivotal role in securing a landmark UN treaty to end plastic pollution and protect our oceans, they bring critical expertise to our work to secure a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Additionally, the experience and strategic sense of Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, one of the architects of the Paris Agreement, are invaluable assets to our movement. His understanding of the imperative of a Treaty and his ability to chart the pathway to its realization will help advance our mission."

Contact:
Robin Harvey, Media Relations Manager, WWF International rharvey@wwfint.org

Notes:
For more information about the global campaign for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, visit the website fossilfueltreaty.org 
WWF’s COP28 expectations paper is available here