Antigua and Barbuda and Timor-Leste, two nations highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, made a significant announcement at the Global Citizen Festival in New York. They endorsed the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, becoming the first countries outside the Pacific region to do so. This treaty seeks to transition away from oil, gas, and coal to address the climate crisis.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for global unity in addressing it. He described the treaty as a binding plan to end the fossil fuel era, shift rapidly to clean energy, and ensure no community is left behind.
Timor-Leste, despite its heavy reliance on oil and gas revenues, also pledged support for the treaty. President José Ramos-Horta expressed the country’s commitment to sustainable development and solidarity with nations disproportionately affected by climate change.
Gillian Cooper, Political Director of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, hailed these endorsements as a significant step in the fight against climate change and a demonstration that even fossil fuel-producing nations desire to break free from oil, gas, and coal’s grip.
With the addition of Antigua and Barbuda and Timor-Leste, a bloc of eight nations is now pushing for the treaty, along with support from international organizations, Nobel Laureates, parliamentarians, civil society organizations, scientists, academics, cities, subnational governments, and even the State of California.
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative aims to promote international cooperation to halt new fossil fuel ventures, phase out existing ones within the climate limit of 1.5°C, and support affected workers, communities, and countries in transitioning to clean energy.