WHAT: Global civil society to evaluate the initial announcements made by governments in their high level statements in the opening days of COP27, warning of false solutions and empty promises and emphasizing need to turn this COP into the COP of implementation.

WHEN: 8th November, 17:30 - 18:00 EET

WHERE: Luxor press room

SPEAKERS:

• Alex Rafalowicz, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

• Brianna Fruean, Pacific Climate Warrior 

• Julia Levin, Environmental Defence Canada

• Lorraine Chiponda, Africa Climate Movement-of-Movements and Don’t Gas Africa

• Paddy McCully, Reclaim Finance

(Note: If you watch the presser on the UNFCCC webcast link you can Signal your questions to Jemma: +1 909 536 9714, who will pose them to the panel on your behalf.)

Why this matters: Fossil fuels have not been directly addressed in the UN climate talks. The primary cause of loss and damage is fossil fuels, with coal, oil and gas fueling 86% of CO2 emissions in the past decade. However, the world is on track to produce more than double the fossil fuels than is compatible with a 1.5°C target. The fossil fuel industry is also earning 11-figure profits from this addiction while households struggle to afford basic needs and over 1 billion people live with almost no modern energy. Africa alone is home to 600 million people without access to electricity.

Civil society is calling on governments to work together to address fossil fuel production because a COP that does not address fossil fuels is a COP that doesn’t address the root cause of the climate crisis. As the Paris Agreement makes no mention of coal, oil or gas, significant momentum has grown in recent months for a complementary international mechanism such as a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. 

About the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is spurring international cooperation to end new development of fossil fuels, phase out existing production within the agreed climate limit of 1.5°C and develop plans to support workers, communities and countries dependent on fossil fuels to create secure and healthy livelihoods. Cities such as Vancouver and Barcelona have already endorsed the Treaty with more considering motions to endorse. Hundreds of organisations representing thousands more individuals join the call for world leaders to stop fossil fuel expansion. 

For more information on the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, watch the introduction video, visit our COP27 website or read our COP27 briefing for journalists.