Fiji has joined a growing coalition of countries calling for a global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. The treaty would aim to phase out the production and use of fossil fuels in order to address the climate crisis.
Fiji’s Minister for the Environment, Inia Seruiratu, made the announcement at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland. He said that Fiji was “leading the way” in the fight against climate change and that the treaty was “essential” to achieving global net-zero emissions by 2050.
The treaty has been backed by a number of other countries, including Costa Rica, Sweden, and Denmark. However, it is opposed by major fossil fuel producers, such as the United States and Australia.
The treaty is seen as a way to address the root cause of climate change, which is the burning of fossil fuels. The treaty would require countries to phase out the production and use of fossil fuels over a set period of time. This would help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The treaty is also seen as a way to ensure that the transition to a clean energy future is fair and just. The treaty would include provisions to help countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as small island states.
The treaty is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to be a major breakthrough in the fight against climate change. If the treaty is successful, it could help to avert the worst impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable future for all.
Here are some of the key benefits of a global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty:
- It would help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.
- It would help to ensure a just transition to a clean energy future.
- It would help to protect vulnerable countries from the impacts of climate change.
A global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty is essential to addressing the climate crisis. It is a bold and ambitious proposal, but it is one that is necessary to protect our planet and our future.
Vanuatu became the first nation to call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty at the U.N. General Assembly in New York in September 2022, followed by Tuvalu at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, two months later.
“Vanuatu warmly welcomes Fiji’s resolute call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty,” Vanuatu’s Climate Minister Hon. Ralph Regenvanu said in a statement. “As fellow Pacific island nations, we share the same vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and recognize the urgent need for decisive action. Our commitment to a sustainable and renewable future sets a powerful example to the world.”
Tuvalu’s Minister of Finance & Economic Development, Hon. Seve Paeniu, also welcomed Fiji’s statement.
