In the wake of the COP29 climate negotiations, the push for a new, complementary treaty explicitly focussed on managing an equitable phase out of fossil fuels and financing a global just transition away from the threat of coal, oil and gas production is gaining stronger momentum.
The group of countries leading the initiative have gained the support of The Bahamas joining the bloc, while Pakistan becomes the first country in South Asia to engage with the group to understand the contours of the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Treaty, aimed at fairly winding down fossil fuel production.
The group of now 16 countries across four continents includes a coalition of small island nations from the Caribbean and the Pacific, with Antigua and Barbuda, Vanuatu and Tuvalu continuing to display their leadership in international climate diplomacy and is now advancing discussions to develop a Fossil Fuel Treaty.
Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Pakistan: “Finance and cooperation are necessary for addressing the energy access challenges faced by countries like Pakistan. We acknowledge the importance of advancing discussions on equitable solutions and will engage the international partners to explore different pathways in this regard. We are also joining, to analyse the pros and the cons of the proposal put forward by the 16 countries for a new international way forward – a treaty aimed at phasing out fossil fuel within a time bound framework, contingent on the provision of adequate financing and technology work.”
As a climate-vulnerable nation, Pakistan faces escalating impacts, from the catastrophic flooding that submerged a third of the country in 2022 to extreme heatwaves, droughts, and glacial melting. These underscore the urgent need for decisive action to tackle fossil fuels and address the climate crisis. The Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal advocates for a transition rooted in equity and justice, with wealthy nations responsible for the highest emissions transitioning first and fastest while offering finance and technical support for developing and climate-vulnerable countries to transition away from fossil fuels.
Mrs. Rochelle W. Newbold, Special Advisor on Climate Change & Environmental Matters to the Prime Minister of The Bahamas: “My country is advancing efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, the transition will require infrastructural changes, retraining of workers, financial investments, and fit for purpose technologies that are accessible and affordable. Therefore, participating in the development of this treaty is important as it will have implications that could impact my country and my people.”
During the 79th UN General Assembly in September in New York, The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis underscored the need to strengthen international cooperation towards a sustainable, renewable-powered future, to address the climate crisis.
He said: “The rise in global temperatures of more than 1.5°C this past year has put us in a new reality. Real effort, serious action, tangible progress – these are the only paths to sustainable solutions. We must prioritise energy solutions around sources of renewable energy. We need a renewed commitment to collective, multilateral action. The 1.5°C threshold cannot be an endpoint, but a turning point; an opportunity to reject complacency and chart a new course, one grounded in innovation, collaboration, and a resolute commitment to a just and sustainable future.”
The Bahamas is among island nations on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The region faces some of the most severe climate impacts, such as sea level rise, more frequent and intense hurricanes, driving island nations deep into debt and hindering their governments’ abilities to provide essential services to their citizens. In 2019, the island suffered what is considered the worst climate disaster in its recorded history, Hurricane Dorian, which not only led to the widespread loss of lives but also cost the island at least $3.4 billion in loss and damage.
In line with this, The Bahamas is among small island states participating in public hearings underway at the International Court of Justice, where it has presented its arguments in relation to States’ International obligations regarding climate change and its impacts on vulnerable countries.
This announcement follows the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Endorsing Nations recently held at COP29 in Baku, which brought together ministers and senior officials from countries spearheading the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal. Government representatives from the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and observer nations from Africa, Asia, and Europe, announced they are moving to the next phase to secure a negotiating mandate for the proposed Treaty.
Governments and organisations leading the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative have welcomed Pakistan and the Bahamas’ engagement.
Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia: “From Colombia, we welcome Pakistan and The Bahamas joining in the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, an initiative that aims to work in a negotiated and multilateral way, a planned process, to be able to phase out and transition away from fossil fuels. Pakistan, one of the countries more affected by climate change and one of the leaders of the process to establish a Loss and Damage fund, is a key country joining this call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty.
“And The Bahamas, another Caribbean Island state, which are some of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the consequences of the production and consumption of fossil fuels, is also joining, being one of the first countries in the Caribbean to make this call. We welcome them and we see that we are getting stronger every day. We look forward to more countries joining us in this effort so that the transition away from fossil fuels is a just and equitable transition for all.”
Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “We welcome this climate leadership from Pakistan and The Bahamas who today have joined us in seeking to negotiate a global plan to manage and finance a fast and fair transition to a future free of fossil fuels. From small island states to major economies and fossil fuel producers, 16 nations across the Global South have now united behind the push for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and we call on other nations to join us in this historic effort to protect our future.”
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of Sustainable Development Policy Institute: “We applaud the government of Pakistan for taking this bold step as the first South Asian country to join the nations calling for a Fossil Fuel Treaty. As a climate-vulnerable nation grappling with an energy crisis that has left millions without access to electricity, this move solidifies the government’s commitment to tackling this pressing issue, reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and addressing the climate crisis. The Treaty proposal offers a framework to support a fair phase out of fossil fuels, while prioritizing the provision of much needed financial and technical support from developed nations, for nations like ours to transition to clean energy.”
Sanjay Vashist, Director, Climate Action Network South Asia: “Pakistan’s call for the negotiation of a Fossil Fuel Treaty is a powerful reminder that the burden of the climate crisis should not fall on vulnerable nations. As the first South Asian country to join this initiative, Pakistan’s leadership challenges the world’s wealthiest nations to step up and take bold action to assume their responsibility in leading the efforts to end our dependence on these destructive fuels.
“This is not just about transitioning to clean energy – it is about justice, equity, and ensuring that those least responsible for the crisis are not left to bear its worst impacts. Pakistan’s leadership must inspire other nations to collaborate in developing a new global framework that guarantees a just and equitable transition for all.”
