UN SIDS4 Outcome calls for a Just Transition, strengthening case for a Fossil Fuel Treaty

Press release
31 May 2024

Antigua and Barbuda, May 31, 2024 - The United Nations 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) culminated with the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), which included a call for a "just, inclusive, and equitable" energy transition—strengthening the case for a global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The ABAS lays out a path for resilient prosperity for SIDS over the next decade, which the international community must build upon. Paragraphs 8 and 26 of the ABAS specifically emphasise the need for "affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy, particularly renewable energy" and "urgently enhancing support... for just, inclusive, equitable, and resilient energy transitions." This focus on a just transition aligns with the core principles of a global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, which aims to manage the phase-out of fossil fuels while supporting workers and impacted communities.

Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji, said:

“As far as the ABAS is concerned, I think one of the key things that needs to be mentioned is that this will be the document to guide us for the next ten years. We need to step back and reflect on whether the language in the ABAS is showing the level of commitment, ambition, and action that is required from SIDS. We need to echo the ongoing and scaling climate impacts we are already facing. So at this SIDS4, we require alignment with the fossil fuel-free Pacific language. We need to explicitly mention that there is no space for fossil fuels in the energy metrics for small island developing states.”

Dr. Sindra Sharma, Senior Policy Advisor at the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network, said:

“We’re at the precipice of a world that we don’t want to imagine and perhaps that we cannot imagine, because it's going to be devastating. But the continued inaction of the few will be at the extreme detriment of the many. The core Treaty requirements are what we need to see in ABAS. In this critical decade for us, we need to see non-proliferation, which means an immediate halt to expansion, fair phase out, and managed decline of existing fossil fuel production, global investments in renewables but also in communities, solutions for mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage.”

First Ministerial meeting of the 13 nations discuss pathways to secure a negotiating mandate for a Fossil Fuel Treaty, and how to bring more countries on board 

On Sunday (26th), the day before the opening of SIDS4, Ministers and senior officials of the nations endorsing the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative met to discuss key concerns and goals of the coalition. The meeting was hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the first Caribbean country to endorse the Treaty, in collaboration with the Governments of Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The resulting statement outlined their vision for a new international treaty to manage the global transition away from fossil fuels.

The growing coalition of 13 countries - Antigua and Barbuda, Colombia, Fiji, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and the newly joined Republic of the Marshall Islands - is urging other governments to unite in seeking a mandate to negotiate a new treaty on fossil fuels. Such a treaty would be a new legal mechanism that will secure a just transition away from oil, gas, and coal, and the world’s chance to stay within 1.5°C of warming.

Honourable Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness & The Environment for Antigua and Barbuda, said in his opening remarks during the Ministerial Meeting:

“The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, which we ardently support, is a beacon of hope. It demands our commitment to a world free from the chains of fossil fuel dependence. The time for action is now, and the choice is ours to make. Antigua and Barbuda made its choice several months ago as the first country in the Western Hemisphere to boldly declare our desire for a fossil-free world. I invite us all to recommit to this mission.”

Honourable Minister Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, and Disaster Management for Vanuatu, said:

“The actual Treaty itself will be crafted by states when we have enough states to begin that process. And so, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) need to become members so that they can be a part of the beginning of drafting this new international instrument. We need to get all states into this, but SIDS are known for being ahead of the game when it comes to bold legal initiatives for climate action. Leadership from SIDS is apparent in the Treaty, so I want to encourage SIDS to be among the first movers.”

Selina Leem, Micronesia Lead for the Fossil Fuel Treaty, said:

“From great duress comes the strongest of warriors, and the Marshall Islands models that. Leading up to COP21, holding the weight of our people's cultures, our stories, our traditions and our indigenous knowledge to make space for them in the climate space. We secured the 1.5 red line in the Paris Agreement alongside all of us here at SIDS4. Therefore, it is even more significant that the Marshall Islands announces their joining of the Fossil Fuel Nonproliferation Treaty Initiative here in this SIDS4 conference. With planned fossil fuel production being 110% higher than is consistent with limiting warming to 1.5, this is a crucial platform to advocate for our needs and our priorities on the global stage.” 

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are disproportionately impacted by climate change, facing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and economic instability. The urgency for action is undeniable. According to NOAA, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration has reached record levels, and global temperatures continue to climb. Despite this, world governments still plan to produce far more fossil fuels than is consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C.

The call for a global Fossil Fuel Treaty has never been more crucial. The increasing number of endorsing nations and the strong statement from SIDS4 demonstrate growing momentum for a just transition away from fossil fuels. The international community must now match this commitment with concrete action and financial support to ensure a sustainable future for all.

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. For more information on the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative and proposal, access here.

Media Contacts

Becca Galvez 

Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative
becca@fossilfueltreaty.org
+63 917 550 0819 (Antigua & Barbuda / GMT-4)

Dizzanne Billy

Climate Tracker
dizz.billy@gmail.com 
+1 (868) 718-7383 (Antigua & Barbuda / GMT-4)

Dylan Kava

Pacific Islands Climate Action Network
dylan.kava@pican.org
+6799061989 (Antigua & Barbuda / GMT-4)