24 April 2024, Miami -  At Miami Climate Week, in a powerful display of regional solidarity and climate leadership, the capitals of two Caribbean nations, Kingston (Jamaica), and Castries (Saint Lucia), have joined Belmopán (Belize) in formally calling on nation-states to negotiate a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, a bold proposal aiming to phase out oil, gas and coal, the substances responsible for 86% emissions in the last decade. 

By deciding to be part of an international movement of more than 100 cities advocating for a Fossil Fuel Treaty, Kingston and Castries affirm their dedication to combatting escalating climate impacts. Positioned on the frontline of the climate crisis due to their geographical and economic vulnerabilities, these capitals face extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods, endangering coastal areas, vital infrastructure, and ecosystems, including invaluable coral reefs pivotal for the region's economy and community resilience.

Mayor of Castries, Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel, emphasized: "Cities like Castries need to accelerate the transition to clean energy and reduce costs for our citizens. We need all types of partnerships to move forward, and by partnering with initiatives such as CC35 & the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, we can work towards innovative solutions to get adequate financing." 

The support of two more Caribbean cities for the proposed Fossil Fuel Treaty underlines the unwavering commitment of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to climate action, embodied by the nations represented by these two capitals. Despite making minimal contributions to global emissions, SIDS endure severe climate disasters. This is why they have demonstrated their dedication to climate action through initiatives such as Barbados' pledge to phase out fossil fuels by 2030 and Dominica's commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by the same year.

Mayor of Kingston, Andrew Swaby, added: “Kingston needs to accelerate its transition to other clean energy sources, integrating mobility with social impact through new funding sources to local governments." 

With the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States scheduled for next month in Antigua and Barbuda - the only Caribbean nation to formally support the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal up to now - Kingston and Castries are showing other countries in the region the pathway to follow. A Fossil Fuel Treaty would help SIDS reduce their economic dependence on fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and would also unlock crucial financial and technological support to facilitate the transition to renewable energies, thereby safeguarding the future of SIDS amidst the escalating climate crisis.

Sebastian Navarro, Secretary-General of the CC35, a network of capital cities of the Americas at the origin of the two endorsements, said: “The Caribbean has an enormous opportunity to secure a prosperous future if it can reach a consensus to achieve clean energy independence and climate action must start from the cities" 

Gillian Cooper, Political Director at the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative, added: "The endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative by Kingston and Castries sends a strong message to the international community: When political will meets climate urgency, progress follows. The commitment of these two Caribbean Mayors  amplifies the urgent call for nations worldwide to unite in the climate-ambitious Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative. Today, these Caribbean capitals stand as beacons of hope, boldly declaring their commitment towards a just transition from fossil fuels and embracing a future of collaboration, equity, and life."