As the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress opened on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Members are preparing to vote on a historic motion that could redefine the future of global conservation by tackling the world’s biggest threat to nature: fossil fuels.
Motion 42: “Addressing the climate and biodiversity crises through fossil fuel supply-side measures and a just transition” calls on the IUCN to develop guidance, analysis, and pathways for a fair and funded phaseout of coal, oil, and gas – placing fossil fuel supply at the heart of conservation for the first time in the IUCN’s history.
If adopted, the motion would make the IUCN the first major environmental body to formally call for international cooperation toward a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – a new global framework to stop fossil fuel expansion, equitably phase out existing production, and enable a just transition for workers and communities.
Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change of Vanuatu, says: “Vanuatu knows what is at stake. Our islands are on the frontline of this crisis. That is why we became the first country to call for a global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – to phase out fossil fuels fairly and support a just transition. With the recent ICJ Advisory Opinion, it is now clear: states have legal obligations to prevent climate harm. This is our chance to act together.
“Phasing out fossil fuels could reduce extinction risks by 75% and free up billions for biodiversity protection. By supporting Motion 42, we can show that the conservation movement is ready to confront the fossil fuel crisis head on.”
Fernanda Carvalho, WWF Global Climate and Energy Policy Head, says: “Fossil fuels are not just heating the planet – they’re dismantling the natural systems that sustain life – and the longer we delay action, the deeper the damage. The IUCN has a historic opportunity to address a main cause of both the biodiversity and climate crises.
“The planet can’t afford to wait another four years. Motion 042 is our chance to turn the tide. It will be a critical step toward ending this harm at its source and restoring the balance between climate, nature, and people, and we urge all IUCN members to support it.”
Kumi Naidoo, President of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, says: “Ending fossil fuels is not just climate action. It is biodiversity conservation at its most crucial. By passing Motion 42, IUCN will be the first major environmental body to put fossil fuel supply front and centre on the conservation agenda. This is about science, justice, and ensuring our collective survival. It is the leadership needed to set new norms, to shift what the world thinks is possible, and to inspire governments to follow.”
For decades, the IUCN has guided global conservation efforts through resolutions and recommendations that influence international environmental law. However, none have directly addressed fossil fuel supply, despite the clear link between the biodiversity and climate crises. The fossil fuel industry is already responsible for over 50% of ocean acidification and widespread habitat destruction. A successful vote on Motion 42 would mark a turning point – embedding fossil fuel phaseout into conservation policy alongside nature protection and climate goals.
The proposal is supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, and a growing coalition of governments, civil society organisations including BirdLife International and COICA, Indigenous leaders, and youth movements urging IUCN to take bold leadership.