NAIROBI, 20 September  2024 -Today, Interfaith leaders joined civil society organizations, climate experts, and communities affected by fossil fuel extraction in Kenya in a spirited appeal to the Kenyan government to formally support the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. During a media briefing convened in Nairobi by the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Laudato Si’ Movement, and GreenFaith, faith leaders highlighted the injustice of the climate crisis, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable and reiterated the sacred role of humanity to protect and care for creation. 

Kenyan religious leaders, hailing from diverse faiths including Hinduism, Islam, Baha’i, and Christianity, among others, underscored the need for international cooperation to address the leading cause of the climate crisis — fossil fuels, by championing a Fossil Fuel Treaty to tackle this threat at its source. The Fossil Fuel Treaty is a proposed legally binding international mechanism to foster a fair and financed global just transition to renewable energy and an equitable fossil fuel phase out grounded in economic justice and global equity. In endorsing the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal, Kenya holds the opportunity to build on its climate leadership and become the first African nation to join the growing bloc of 13 global south nations from the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean that  are championing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and to set the terms, provisions and substance of the proposal.   

The convening of Interfaith leaders to call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty is part of a series of planned activities to mark the Season of Creation 2024, a global time of prayer and action to answer the call to care for creation.  Interfaith communities in Kenya such as the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya and the Africa Faith Actors Network on Climate Justice are joined by thousands of faith leaders and over 460 faith institutions around the world, including a Vatican Cardinal, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Parliament of the World's Religions, and Islamic Relief Worldwide, in faithful support of a Fossil Fuel Treaty. Interfaith communities will take to the streets of Nairobi, on Saturday 21 September, to lead a climate procession and reiterate the calls for a Fossil Fuel Treaty as millions around the world join similar actions to demand climate justice for all.

Rev.Dr.  Peter Mbaro, Director of  Centre for Social Justice and Ethics at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, said: “As people of faith, we are called to respond to the cry of the earth and the poor. The environmental degradation we witness is a result of our failure to protect God’s creation, which He saw as ‘very good’ (Gen. 1:31). Climate change disproportionately harms the most vulnerable—those struggling to meet basic needs. Endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a moral obligation, not just to safeguard creation but to ensure justice for the poor who suffer the most from this crisis.”

Sr. Mary Wangare, Executive Director of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation Franciscans Africa, said: “Today, more than ever, we must act with hope and courage, standing against the destruction caused by fossil fuels. The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue; it is a crisis of justice and peace, where the poorest and most vulnerable suffer the most. Inspired by the spirit of simplicity and respect for creation, we unite in calling for a just transition to clean energy, one that protects our common home and upholds the dignity of all God's children. May we be instruments of peace, promoting justice for the Earth and for all who inhabit it.”

Monk Kamita of Hare Krishna said: “We are directly or indirectly responsible for our actions. The decisions we make now fully determine our future. As the Hare Krishna Community, we'd like to urge everyone to deeply reflect on the need to take positive, compassionate, selfless, truthful and loving spiritual actions for the sake of our environment as a reflection of God's love upon us.”

Hakeem Khalid, SUPKEM Environmental Lead, IRCK Environment and Climate Change Commissioner said: “By embracing the Fossil Fuel non-proliferation treaty, Kenya can continue to lead Africa toward a future that is both prosperous and sustainable. It is our duty, as stewards of the Earth, to ensure that the balance is maintained, and justice is served—not just for ourselves, but for future generations.”

Prince Papa - Africa Campaigner, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, stated: “Kenya has already demonstrated climate leadership within the continent and made considerable progress towards its goal to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030. The country’s support for a Fossil Fuel Treaty would not only serve to solidify its commitment to addressing the climate crisis, but would also be instrumental to bolstering the country’s renewable energy target. We join the faith communities and other allies in calls for Kenya and other African nations to support the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Treaty that tackles the climate crisis, protects all creation, and facilitates the finance and technology transfer needed by developing nations to transition to a prosperous renewable-powered future.”

Ashley Kitisya, Africa Program Manager, Laudato Si’ Movement, said: “As people of faith, we are called to be stewards of creation and protect the earth for future generations. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty offers a critical pathway to address the climate crisis by ending our reliance on harmful fossil fuels and transitioning to clean, renewable energy. This is not just an environmental issue; it’s a moral imperative that affects the lives and dignity of people everywhere, especially the most vulnerable. We urge faith communities and leaders across the globe to join us during this year’s Season of Creation in endorsing this treaty and advocating for a just and sustainable future for all”

In addition to the 13 nation states championing the treaty, it is supported by over 115 cities and subnational governments, 3,500 civil society organizations, hundreds of health institutions, including the World Health Organization, the European Parliament, youth activists, Indigenous nations and trade unions representing over 30 million workers.