FIGHTING FOR A FOSSIL FREE

AFRICA

Dear friends,

I am truly honoured to write this introduction for all the champions and supporters of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. We have accomplished amazing successes and milestones, and I want to thank each of you for your dedication and hard work. But our journey is far from over, and there is still much to be done. Let me take this opportunity to address two important issues that are taking place this month.

Firstly, Africa just hosted its very first Africa Climate Summit from September 4th to 6th. As an African, I had high hopes that we would demonstrate the leadership necessary to combat the climate crisis that has hit our continent the hardest. Unfortunately, foreign interests have hijacked the process leading up to the summit and the final outcome has failed to turn the tide on fossil fuels. We have made progress but there is still a lot of work to do. We have taken a stand as Africans, with over 500 African CSOs signing a strong letter to President Ruto of Kenya, urging him to withdraw the control and influence of organisations like McKinsey and Company from the summit. And we have defined a plan for our own destiny and future in the People’s Climate and Development Declaration.

Secondly, I would like to draw your attention to the upcoming global mobilizations to #EndFossilFuels. As members of civil society and responsible global citizens, we have decided that it is time to take action against the harm caused by fossil fuels. Throughout the entire month, particularly on the weekend of the September 15-17th there will be incredible events and initiatives taking place - culminating in the march to #EndFossilFuels in New York City on September 17th. This march will precede the UNSG’s Climate Ambition Summit, where world leaders will be present. It is time for us to stand up against the greed of fossil fuel companies and demonstrate to the world that we have the power to protect everything we hold dear.

In solidarity,​​​​​
​​​​​
Omar Elmawi
Co-Facilitator, Africa Movement Building Space
Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Champion

CALIFORNIA STATE BECOMES LARGEST GLOBAL ECONOMY TO ENDORSE THE FOSSIL FUEL TREATY

In a historic move, the resolution calling on the State of California to endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty passed the final vote in the State Assembly, making California the largest global economy to support the proposal. Facing big opposition from oil & gas lobbyists and 40 industry groups, who joined forces in an attempt to block it, the proposal was backed by a majority of 43 votes.

California Senate Majority Whip Senator Lena A Gonzalez (D – Long Beach), said: “It is essential that we commit once and for all to ending our reliance on fossil fuels. People around the world, especially low-income people of color, are suffering the adverse health impacts of fossil fuel pollution, from asthma to cancer. The recent devastating fires and hurricanes emphasize the urgency of taking action, to prevent further extreme weather changes. The science has been clear for decades—fossil fuels are responsible for the climate crisis. We can prevent further harm to our communities, and that is why I am proud that California has now been added to the growing list of governments endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. It is time for our nation to be a part of the solution, to forge strong unity and commitment to phasing out the use of fossil fuels.”

MELANESIAN GOVERNMENTS BACK THE CALL FOR A FOSSIL FUEL FREE PACIFIC

The Heads of Government of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), comprised of Vanuatu, Fiji, Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS), Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, publicly endorsed the “Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific”, in their Leader’s Communique. This historic statement reflects the MSG’s collective resolve to address the climate crisis which is undermining human rights, destroying ecosystems and upending economic and social development across the Melanesian islands.

Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister during the time of the ministerial, said: “The MSG Communique, by acknowledging a climate emergency, and endorsing the Port Vila Call represents the collective ambition of our region to ensure the aspirations of the Paris Agreement remain alive. As leaders, it is our responsibility to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the continued survival and prosperity of our peoples and cultures.”

This is the fourth regional summit this year that has supported the Port Vila Call, with Pacific Economic Ministers calling for the endorsement of the Port Vila Call and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty proposal only a few weeks prior. This call will be brought to the Pacific Environment Ministers Meeting on September 8 in Apia, Samoa.

HISTORIC VOTE PASSES TO PROTECT THE AMAZON

On August 20, Ecuadorians voted to ban oil drilling in Yasuní, an area known as the ‘heart of the Amazon’ and one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. More than 58% voted in favour and 41% against, to keep 726 million barrels of oil underground in the Yasuní national park. This historic vote will protect two of the world’s last “uncontacted” Indigenous communities living in voluntary isolation from the dangers of oil extraction.

MOVEMENTS RISE UP AGAINST FUKUSHIMA WASTE DUMPING

Activists across Asia and all over the world took to the streets to protest Japan’s dumping of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. The Fossil Fuel Treaty network stands in solidarity with our civil society members and movements who are standing up against this injustice. A Fossil Fuel Free Pacific cannot be the dumping ground for nuclear waste. During a solidarity march in Suva, Fiji, Pacific Conference of Churches' General Secretary and Fossil Fuel Treaty Champion Reverend James Bhagwan called this an opportunity to “remind the Japanese government that the Pacific ocean is not for sale”—and urged other countries to make their stand against this issue known.

IN THE MEDIA

In August, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty was covered by 144 media outlets across the globe including ones in North America, Pacific, Asia, Europe and Africa. Here are our top 3 most prominent articles:

• Truthout published an article on the rejection of oil drilling in the Amazon, where the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative was quoted saying, “the historic vote sets a remarkable example for other countries in democratizing climate politics.”

• On Inside Climate News, Alex Rafalowicz, global director of the Fossil Fuel Treaty said, “The movement is saying, if we need to stop fossil fuels globally, then the Amazon should be the place where we start. It’s the lungs of the world. It is this unique source of biodiversity for the whole planet.”

• Fossil Fuel Treaty Pacific Director Joe Moeono-Kolio spoke to ABC News Australia on the MSG Leader’s endorsement of the Port Vila Call for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific, praising Melanesian leaders for showing "just how seriously they are taking the threat" of escalating climate change. He added, "Far from the empty rhetoric of some of our larger neighbours, today's decision shows yet again that Pacific leaders and communities are serious about committing to the tangible pathways set out in the Port Vila Call, ensuring a managed phase-out of fossil fuels and a just and equitable transition for all our Pacific peoples."

SOCIALS WORTH SHARING

• In London, notable climate champions such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan, former archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams, Uplift's Executive Director Tessa Khan and London regional secretary of Unison, Jo Galloway spoke on a panel about combatting air pollution, and addressing its root cause—fossil fuels.

• Voyager Pacific produced two powerful videos on the Kato Pacific Community Climate Fund in Kioa Island and Pacific Economic Ministerial in Suva, Fiji.

• We launched a photo campaign featuring parents and children calling for a Fossil Fuel Treaty. Send in your own photos to @earthlyeducation to be featured on our page!

UPCOMING EVENTS