As a young climate activist, I had the privilege to attend COP26 in 2021 in Glasgow. At 19 years old I was so excited to be in a hub of changemakers. However, the conference finished, and while the experience was formative for me, I left feeling disappointed and deflated.
‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers’ – from 1 Timothy 4.12
How many COPs does it take to arrest climate chaos?
This was the statement on someone’s banner, a sentiment summed up by Greta Thunberg’s famous “Blah Blah Blah” speech which I watched firsthand.
COP’s have often felt frustrating; fossil fuels are centre stage, and yet many governments are still approving new coal, oil and gas projects – threatening our chances of limiting warming.
The Fossil Fuel Treaty
We need a hope-filled alternative mechanism, and I believe the Fossil Fuel Treaty provides us with this.
“The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a bold demand for a global exit plan from the fossil fuel era” – Global Justice now
The Fossil Fuel Treaty seeks to recreate the Montreal Protocol – an international agreement in 1987 which successfully banned CFCs that were making a hole in the ozone layer1. The treaty aims to halt the expansion of fossil fuels, manage an equitable phase-out of coal, oil and gas, and lay the foundations for a true just energy transition in which no worker, community or country is left behind. It stands as something separate from COPs, a positive alternative to the diplomatic challenges of a conference. With fossil fuels accounting for 90% of carbon dioxide emissions this could not be more essential.2
An emphasis on the just transition and an equitable phase-out is in place to ensure that ordinary people will not be hurt by the transition. The treaty is clear that countries need to work together and provide jobs in sustainable industries for workers to move across.
Listening to Vulnerable Communities
Whilst the Treaty has lots of civil society support, the majority of the 15 nation states that have committed to this are small island states. This includes Fiji, Vanuatu and Tuvalu. These communities are paying the highest price from fossil fuel exploitation and climate change but are the least responsible. They have also shown leadership in resisting and working for a better future. This has also been called for by the least developed countries group (LDC) in 2017.
We have a duty to listen to listen to those most impacted and amplify their cause, to: “defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3
Acting in Hope for Justice
We are asking you to speak to your local MP about signing the Early Day Motion on Fossil Fuels. 37 MPs have signed so far, could yours be next?
It’s a big ask, but I believe we are called to take big steps and leaps for justice. Your MP may say no, but you might be the final person who convinces them to say YES! Even if they don’t say yes, it is beneficial for them to know more about why you – their constituent – think the Treaty is important.
Championing the Fossil Fuel treaty is a statement in itself. It’s a statement of not relying on COPs which have led to limited action. It’s a statement of being prepared to support new creative solutions. Most importantly, it’s an act of solidarity alongside those who are most affected by climate change.
If your MP has already signed you can consider asking your city or council to support the treaty. JPIT is also going to share resources on other asks you can make of your MP around climate action, so do keep a look out.
For more on the Fossil Fuel treaty see here: The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative
For more on the early day motion (EDM), see here: Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – Early Day Motions – UK Parliament
Here is a short prayer you might like to use:
Creator God,
We are so thankful for the beautiful world we live in, your creation.
We pray today for international cooperation around climate justice.
Would you give our leaders wisdom. Let frontline voices be at the forefront and prioritised in every decision they make.
Lord, give strength and resilience to climate activists working on the Fossil Fuel treaty. Would your blessing be on the campaign, and would you help us move away from the fossil fuels we rely so heavily on which are so damaging.
Let your peace and justice flow
Amen
Cover image: The Rev. James Bhagwan of the Pacific Council of Churches and religious youth standing in rising seas that now submerge Fiji at high tide, 2021 (pic: Greenfaith)
