MEDIA ADVISORY, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 3 JUNE 2022

What: Youth stand with the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty in major action at the Stockholm+50 conference for collective action to reimagine and reset our development pathway toward a fossil fuel free future.

When: Friday, June 3, 2022, 930am CEST in the Main Hall of the Stockholm+50 Conference Center 

Why this matters: Governments are on track to produce twice as much oil, gas and coal than can be burned if we are to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, a clear failure to address the source of 86% of carbon emissions in the past decade. Fossil fuels are undoubtedly the top threat to our health, climate, biodiversity and security yet governments have failed to directly address them since the original summit 50 years ago. However, the emerging recommendations from the Stockholm+50 conference has language that directly acknowledges this threat that fossil fuels pose to humanity and the need for a solution like the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. A global phase out of fossil fuels is necessary as existing pledges regarding emissions, pollution and biodiversity are not and cannot be met because of rampant fossil fuel production. We need new international cooperation and agreements to stop expansion of fossil fuels globally and ensure that a phase out is fast and fair.

Farzana Faruk Jhumu (350.org Bangladesh) said: “Fossil fuels are destroying our earth and we don’t have time to negotiate on whether we need this anymore because the science is blatantly clear that we do. We want a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to be a platform that not only talks about phasing out fossil fuels but how we can do that in a way that is fair and fast for everyone.

Alex Rafalowicz (Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative) said: “People say that this idea is too big and too bold but it is clear: we cannot keep going with more of the same. People across the world are clear. The science is clear. Governments are now beginning to hear the message. It’s time for a global plan for a just transition to phase out fossil fuels via a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.”

Christian Zauner (Parents for Future Global) said: “Catastrophe is not a matter of fate but a matter of choice. At this conference, parents are the biggest group and, if we really want to bring change, we can. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is the next logical step in securing a still livable future for all our children.”

Davis Reuben Sekamwa (Rise Up Movement Uganda) said: “I believe that without climate finance there is no climate justice. We need accountability and reparations for communities that have been destroyed in Uganda and abroad. A Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a way for us to build international cooperation to bring finance from developed nations to those that need it most.”

Precious Kalombwana (Fridays for the Future MAPA) said: “The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is incredibly important to improve the livelihoods of those who are the most affected, most vulnerable and least responsible for the climate crisis. No more coal. No more oil. No more gas. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a powerful way for us to make that happen.”

About the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative and SAFE Cities

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.

SAFE Cities is a growing movement of neighbors, local groups and elected officials phasing out fossil fuels and fast-tracking renewable energy solutions to ensure a just transition. Already dozens of cities and counties across the US – and several more around the globe – have passed concrete policies to keep their communities SAFE from fossil fuels, build renewable energy infrastructure, and create good, long-term jobs.

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and SAFE Cities are sister campaigns working toward the same goal – an equitable world safe from fossil fuels. While SAFE Cities are a locally based solution that people in every community in the world can act on without delay to achieve a just transition, the Treaty Initiative goes global by encouraging first mover governments to act now while spotlighting the need for global cooperation in a time of global crisis. Together they tackle the climate emergency at all levels of government to ensure high-level ambition is paired with accountable execution on the ground.

Media contacts:

Jemma De Leon
Communications Strategist, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (USA)
jemma@fossilfueltreaty.org +1 909 536 9714

Viviana Varin
Senior Communications Associate, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (France)
viviana@fossilfueltreaty.org +33 6 63 48 52 67