In a historic vote, Ecuadorians have shown the world what true climate leadership looks like. In the face of rising violence, fear, economic uncertainty, and political upheaval, the country chose hope.

Their vote is a step toward a fossil fuel-free future that protects biodiversity and the rights of isolated Indigenous peoples, opting to halt its largest oil project and keep close to 1.5 billion barrels of crude permanently in the ground.

The vote to protect Yasuní National Park has global implications. Never before has a country, by national referendum, voted to keep fossil fuels in the ground, let alone a former member of OPEC and a net oil exporter where oil exports account for an estimated 10% of the country’s GDP.

Now the rest of the world needs to join Ecuador towards a rapid, equitable transition and complete phase-out of fossil fuels!