By Celine Lai

The Fossil Fuel Non-prolieration Treaty is a global initiative to phase out fossil fuels and support a just transition. It can be endorsed by an individual, an organization or by a corporation.

According to the latest IPCC report, coal, oil and gas are responsible for 86% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the past decade.

Phasing out fossil fuel production, and fast-tracking progress towards safer and more cost-effective alternatives, will require unprecedented international cooperation in three main areas – non-proliferation, global disarmament and a peaceful, just transition.

350 Australia works toward divesting from fossil fuels. Their actions and goals support the three areas above. 

Read about the 3 goals of the NPT here.

This page here shows the cities who currently have endorsed the treaty.

In Australia, the following have endorsed the treaty.

City of Sydney

The Australian Capital Territory

City of Darebin, Melbourne, Australia

City of Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Australia

City of Moreland, Melbourne, Australia

City of Yarra, Melbourne, Australia

Practically speaking, this means that these governments have committed to immediately end the expansion of new coal, oil and gas projects and phase out existing fossil fuel production in a manner that is fair and equitable. 

The Sydney Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty page stated in August 2021:

“Global momentum around the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is growing. Last month, the Initiative published an open letter signed by the Dalai Lama and 100 other Nobel Laureates calling on world leaders at the Leaders Climate Summit to stop fossil fuel expansion. 

This is in addition to 1,200+ scientists and researchers who have signed an open letter explicitly asking for a Treaty. “

According to the Fossil Fuel  Non-proliferation Treaty:

“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 clean energy solutions to ensure a just transition.

The proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is critically needed as a complement to the Paris Agreement, designed to facilitate the international cooperation required to manage a fair and fast global transition away from coal, oil and gas. 

Rebecca Byrnes, Deputy Director of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative said: 

Fossil fuels have long been the elephant in the room at international climate talks. They are responsible for the vast majority of CO2 emissions, but a failure of regulation at the national and international level has resulted in countries making climate commitments with one hand, while ramping up fossil fuel extraction with the other. As the world’s third-largest fossil fuel exporter, Australia plays an oversized role in this problem.

The City of Sydney has shown leadership in recognising the need for international cooperation on fossil fuel production and calling for the Australian government to do its fair share in tackling the root cause of climate change.”  

Source:  https://fossilfueltreaty.org/sydney

Meanwhile, in Western Australia, no local governments nor the Premier have committed to the Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty.

Conversely, the W.A. Premier, Mark McGowan, supports Woodside’s proposed monstrous new gas project.

It’s time to let the West Australian government bodies know that they are increasingly being left behind in the inevitable movement toward no new fossil fuels and the development and use of renewable energy.

In Australia, the Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty campaign is supported by a number of civil society organizations including Greenpeace Australia Pacific, the Australia Institute, 350.org Australia, Friends of the Earth Australia, Fridays for Future Australia, and School Strike 4 Climate.

Sign up to help stop Woodside’s Scarborough Gas project by clicking here.