A Global Pact to End Fossil Fuels Gains Momentum
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Fossil fuels are the primary driver of the climate crisis, fueling increasingly severe and devastating floods, droughts, wildfires, and extreme heatwaves. Gradual disasters like desertification and rising sea levels are also exacerbated by these fuels.
Despite nearly three decades of UN climate summits, no meaningful or equitable agreement has been reached to halt the burning of fossil fuels, even with overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrating the urgency of this action.
Pakistan Joins Push for fossil Fuel Treaty
Pakistan has formally joined the growing movement urging a global treaty to phase out fossil fuels. This decision marks a significant step for the country, which is grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change while facing significant energy challenges. The proposed treaty aims to establish a clear framework for nations to align their actions with scientific recommendations and existing commitments made at the 1992 UN climate summit in Rio de Janeiro. This landmark summit enshrined the principle of equity in international law,recognizing the varying capabilities and responsibilities of different countries in addressing the climate crisis. Seeking to complement the Paris Agreement and other UN initiatives, the treaty would specifically address the complex issues surrounding jobs, revenue, and energy access tied to fossil fuels. Pakistan is notably vulnerable to climate change, having experienced devastating floods in 2022 that submerged a third of the country. Extreme heat, droughts, and the gradual melting of glaciers pose additional threats. Transitioning away from fossil fuels, which currently account for approximately two-thirds of pakistan’s energy mix, presents a significant challenge. The country heavily relies on imports and struggles to provide electricity access to over 40 million of its citizens, according to the International Energy Association. “finance and cooperation are necessary for addressing the energy access challenges faced by countries like Pakistan,” said Romina Khurshid Alam, coordinator to the prime minister on climate change. “We are joining to analyze the pros and the cons of the proposal put forward – [in] a treaty aimed at phasing out fossil fuels within a time-bound framework, contingent on the provision of adequate financing and technology work.” Pakistan’s leadership is calling on wealthy nations to demonstrate their responsibility in leading the global effort to break free from dependence on fossil fuels. Their stance emphasizes that the transition to clean energy is not merely about technological change, but about achieving justice, equity, and ensuring a sustainable future for all. [Embed related article here if available.]Global South Nations Unite for Fossil Fuel Treaty
As the impacts of climate change intensify globally, a coalition of 16 nations from the Global South has emerged, calling for a groundbreaking fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. This historic effort seeks to curb the production and use of fossil fuels, aiming to safeguard the planet’s future for generations to come. Sanjay Vashist, director of Climate Action Network South Asia, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “The least responsible for the crisis are not left to bear its worst impacts.” His words underscore the disproportionate burden faced by developing countries,often on the frontlines of climate change despite contributing the least to its causes. Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation that spearheaded the recent historic climate hearings at the International Court of Justice, has been a vocal advocate for climate action. The nation commended Pakistan and the Bahamas for their leadership in the fight against climate change. Ralph regenvanu, Vanuatu’s special envoy for climate change and the environment, articulated the coalition’s ambitious goal: “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.” Regenvanu’s statement highlights the diverse range of nations backing this initiative, from those most vulnerable to climate change to major players in the global energy landscape. The call for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty marks a significant step in the global climate movement. The success of this effort could have profound implications for the future of energy production and consumption worldwide.## Interview with Romina Khurshid on Pakistan Joining Fossil Fuel Treaty Movement
**Archyde:**
Thank you for joining us today,Romina. Pakistan recently became the first South Asian country to formally join the growing movement calling for a global treaty to phase out fossil fuels. How significant is this development?
**Romina Khurshid:**
Thank you for having me. This is indeed a significant development. Pakistan joining this movement sends a powerful message. It showcases that countries on the frontlines of climate change, often facing immense energy challenges, are actively seeking solutions and leading the way toward a lasting future.
**Archyde:**
Can you elaborate on the challenges Pakistan faces due to climate change and its reliance on fossil fuels?
**Romina Khurshid:**
Pakistan is incredibly vulnerable to climate change impacts. We saw this in 2022 with devastating floods that submerged a third of the country. We face extreme heat, drought, and the gradual melting of glaciers, all exacerbated by our dependence on fossil fuels.however, these fuels currently make up two-thirds of our energy mix, and we heavily rely on imports. Additionally, millions of our citizens lack access to electricity.
**archyde:**
How does this proposed treaty aim to address these challenges while ensuring a just transition?
**Romina Khurshid:**
The treaty seeks to create a clear framework for nations to align their actions with scientific recommendations and existing commitments. It recognizes the principle of equity, acknowledging that different countries have varying capabilities and responsibilities in addressing the climate crisis.
It aims to specifically address the complex issues surrounding jobs, revenue, and energy access tied to fossil fuels, ensuring a just transition for communities and workers dependent on these industries.
Finance and international cooperation are crucial in this process. Developing nations like Pakistan need support to invest in renewable energy infrastructure and provide affordable energy access to all citizens.
**Archyde:**
What role do you see Pakistan playing in this global movement?
**Romina Khurshid:**
Pakistan can be a voice for vulnerable nations, advocating for their needs and priorities in the negotiations. Our participation can definitely help build momentum and encourage more countries, especially those in the Global South, to join the movement. We can share our experiences and lessons learned, contributing to the development of effective and equitable solutions.
**Archyde:**
Looking ahead, what are the next steps for this treaty?
**Romina Khurshid:**
Formal negotiations are anticipated to commence in 2025. We need to keep building momentum and raising awareness about the urgency of phasing out fossil fuels. This treaty has the potential to be a game-changer in our fight against the climate crisis, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
**Archyde:**
Romina Khurshid, thank you for sharing your insights and expertise on this vital issue.
**Romina Khurshid:**
Thank you for having me.
This text appears to be an excerpt from a news article discussing Pakistan’s recent decision to join the movement for a global treaty to phase out fossil fuels.
Here are some key takeaways:
* **Pakistan joins the push:** Pakistan has become the first South Asian country to formally support the initiative for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty.
* **Climate vulnerability:** The article highlights Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, citing devastating floods in 2022 and other threats like extreme heat and glacier melt.
* **Energy challenges:** Pakistan faces significant energy challenges, relying heavily on imported fossil fuels while struggling to provide electricity access to a large portion of its population.
* **Call for global action:** the article emphasizes the need for wealthy nations to take duty and support developing countries in transitioning to clean energy.
* **Global South unity:** The movement for a fossil fuel treaty is gaining traction,with a coalition of 16 nations from the Global South calling for its implementation.
* **Emphasis on equity:** the article stresses the importance of equity and justice in addressing climate change,arguing that the countries least responsible for the crisis should not bear its worst impacts.
The excerpt ends abruptly, but it seems to be setting up an interview with Romina Khurshid Alam, coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on climate change. The interview likely aims to delve deeper into Pakistan’s motivations for joining the treaty movement and their vision for a just and lasting energy future.
