13 July 2023, Global – Today, at the 7th Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action (MOCA) in Brussels, COP28 President, Sultan Al Jaber, from the UAE, made a speech outlining his vision for the outcomes of the UN Climate Summit to be held in Dubai in December. He stressed the need to keep global heating below 1.5°C, serving as the summit's “North Star”.

Alex Rafalowicz, Executive Director of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said:

“Al Jaber already recognised himself that the end of fossil fuels is inevitable. The question is how? If COP28’s main goal is to ensure we honor the commitment to 1.5°C, this can only be achieved by a commitment to stop any new fossil fuel projects from today. The UAE should do this, and the USA should do this, every country must. So called ‘climate leaders’ need to stop using these forums as a performance stage and stop new fossil fuel projects - that is the test. The COP must work with and support the real leadership of countries like the Pacific nations and Colombia, that want to end fossil fuels - fast, fair and forever.”

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 organizations 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, access here.

Media Contacts

Nathalia Clark
Communications Director, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
nathalia@fossilfueltreaty.org +55 61 99137 1229