THE FOSSIL FUEL TREATY AT NY CLIMATE WEEK 2025
Momentum is building for a fast, fair, and financed transition away from fossil fuels, one of the greatest threats of our time.Momentum is building for a fast, fair, and financed transition away from fossil fuels, one of the greatest threats of our time. From UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ declaration that “the fossil fuel era is fading” to the groundbreaking International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion (ICJAO) ruling that fossil fuel production, licensing, and subsidies may constitute an “internationally wrongful act,” the legal and rhetorical progress is undeniable. The ICJAO also emphasizes that “co-operation between States is the very foundation of meaningful international efforts with respect to climate change,” and that “treaties and their coordinated forms of implementation are a principal expression” of this cooperation.
Despite these advancements and the growing consensus on the urgency to act, countries across the world are backtracking on their climate commitments or failing to act altogether—especially those that bear the greatest responsibility. Alarmingly, governments are still planning to produce 110% more fossil fuels by 2030 than is compatible with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature limit, the majority of which is planned in the United States and Canada. The US, under the Trump administration, is reversing climate commitments and funneling more money into the fossil fuel industry and its billionaires.
As the world prepares for COP30 in Belém in November, it is hoped that countries will present their long-delayed Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—the five year plans to reduce carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement—, and that they will be strong and ambitious enough to meet the 1.5°C climate target, as required by the ICJ. However, many countries have yet to submit their commitments, and those that have already done so fall far short of what is needed to avert climate catastrophe.
Even as the current US administration poses challenges for international cooperation, and imposes discriminatory border policies which will restrict who is able to attend international forums in New York City, the fight for climate justice continues. New York Climate Week, the UN General Assembly, and the UN Secretary-General’s NDCs Summit offer a crucial opportunity to mobilize and pressure governments to join our movement.
It will be a test to see whether their actions correspond with international law and match the urgency of the crisis. We expect to see stronger leadership on fossil fuel phase-out from countries like Colombia and Small Island States, who are spearheading discussions around a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and now is the time for the rest of the world to follow them.
Join the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative during this crucial week in New York City. We will be mobilizing alongside global partners as part of the ‘Draw the Line’ week of action, and together we will demand that leaders deliver real action to end the dependence on oil, gas and coal, and transition to energy and economic systems rooted in justice and equity.
Our events at New York Climate Week 2025-
Draw the Line Week of Action
19-21 September
Join the Make Billionaires Pay rally and march in New York City—a people-powered takeover demanding a livable climate for all, and an end to billionaire polluters and fascist attacks on migrants.
-
The Hub Live mainstage: The high stakes at hand – how to lead in an era of peril and possibility
22 September
As we stand at the intersection of a changing climate and the ‘see-sawing’ of geopolitical upheaval, leadership has never been more critical. Our action, whether policy-driven or business-motivated, needs to move swiftly and decisively because the reality is clear: climate change doesn’t wait for interests, alliances, or global consensus to align. We need bold new frameworks that push the boundaries of what we thought was possible - policies that don’t just mitigate risk but capitalize on the opportunities for transformative change.
In this thought-provoking discussion, we explore:
- How are leaders managing the chaos of shifting power dynamics, resource competition, and an unpredictable global market?
- How can the public-private sector work together to build the coalitions needed to tackle climate change now?
- What bold, cross-sector policies must emerge to meet the scale of the crisis and drive transformative change? -
Closed-door meeting: North America Strategy Session
23 September | 9am - 12pm, location shared upon RSVP
Backsliding on climate commitments in both the United States and Canada, including potential new investments into fossil fuels in both countries, threaten communities around the world. Yet globally, momentum for a Fossil Fuel Treaty is picking up, creating new opportunities to align the North American climate movement and subnational fights with this high-ambition global campaign. During NYCW, we will be hosting a closed-door strategy session to discuss the role of the North American stakeholders in the campaign to win a Fossil Fuel Treaty, and how to use that momentum to boost fights against fossil fuel production at home. If you would like to attend the session, please reach out to Rachel Ruback, North American Project Manager at rachel.r@fossilfueltreaty.org.
-
Youth Climate Forum: Envisioning a Fossil Fuel Free World
25 September | 2-5:30pm on Governors Island
Participants will envision a future where the world has ended its addiction to fossil fuels and identify concrete, practical steps our civilization should take to realize that vision. The forum is designed to honor and lift up the views of youth climate activists, build community among them, and strengthen their collective efforts for effective climate action.
Momentum for a Fossil Fuel Treaty is building in the USAcross the country, a growing number of voices are already calling for a Fossil Fuel Treaty. From major cities like Los Angeles and Philadelphia, to states like Hawai’i and California, powerful American voices are calling on their government to actively resist the regressive fossil fuel agenda gaining ground in the US under Trump by standing with countries working to advance a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Media Briefings and Resources for London Climate Action WeekShort briefing notes that can help inform governments, cities and other decision-makers about the case for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Want to organise for a member of the Treaty Support Team to join a briefing? Contact campaign@fossilfueltreaty.org
-
![]()
If It's Not Global, It's Not Just: How a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty can Accelerate Finance for a Global Just Transition
Dr. Amiera Sawas, Rebecca Brynes, Mia Partridge (2024)
-
![]()
Debt Justice and Financing the Just Global Energy Transition: International Cooperation on the Climate-Debt Crisis and the Role of a Treaty
Jwala Rambarran and Dr. Amiera Sawas
-
![]()
Exporting Harm: The Climate Toll of Australia’s Fossil Fuel Expansion
Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, 2025
-
![]()
We Must Stop Subsidising Fossil Fuels and Tax them Instead: A Shipping Levy is the Best Way to get Serious this Year
Dr. Christiaan De Beukelaer, University of Melbourne (2025)
-
![]()
Proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative: A Seat at the Table (One-Pager)
Available in English
-
![]()
Briefing for Policymakers
Available in English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Arabic
-
![]()
COP28 Briefing: How a Fossil Fuel Treaty will Accelerate the Goals of the Paris Agreement
Available in English
-
![]()
Smoke and Mirrors: The Terms "Unabated" Fossil Fuels and "Inefficient" Subsidies are a Tactic to Delay a Just Transition from Coal, Oil, and Gas
Available in English
-
![]()
-
![]()
Financing a Fair and Fast Energy Transition
Available in English
-
![]()
The Just Transition Pillar of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty proposal
Available in English
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
Amazon: The First Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Zone?
Available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese
-
![]()
Summary Flyer
Available in English
-
![]()
Lessons from Humanitarian Treaties for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Available in English
-
![]()
Nature restoration is no substitute for steep emission reductions
Available in English
-
![]()
Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels to Curb Air Pollution Health Harms
Available in English
-
![]()
Mutually Reinforcing: How a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty complements the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC
Available in English
Contact us.
-
For general enquiries contact info@fossilfueltreaty.org
-
For media and event enquiries contact media@fossilfueltreaty.org – this email is being monitored 24/7 by our global communications team.
-
For all other campaign enquiries contact info@fossilfueltreaty.org
-
For organisational partnerships and campaign inquiries contact partners@fossilfueltreaty.org and a member of our Global Partnerships team will reach out
Connect with us for live updates