The Fossil Fuel Treaty could help upend global inequality
Sunak’s dangerous plans to expand fossil fuels use people’s lives as a political football. The UK’s historic carbon emissions are the fourth highest in the world.
Any British government has a moral duty to act decisively to end fossil fuels, and to fund countries which have done little to cause the crisis in doing the same.
The fossil fuel economy hurts people in the UK too. Oil and gas is owned by the companies which produce it. It’s sold on the global market in an increasingly turbulent world. This market prioritises profit, not providing people with their basic human right to not freeze to death in their own homes.
A Fossil Fuel Treaty would commit the UK to a rapid transition to completely renewable energy. This could be publicly owned and therefore much cheaper and more reliable than fossil fuels.
And this could make an impact worldwide too. At our online rally on Monday, we heard from Seble Samuel, head of Africa campaigns for the Fossil Fuel Treaty. She gave the example of Nigeria, which is one of Africa's major fossil fuel producers. Yet it’s also home to 85 million people who live without access to electricity.
This is a stark reminder of how the fossil fuel economy can only ever serve the rich and powerful. It’s one of the reasons why we need a clean energy revolution with climate justice at its heart.
The Fossil Fuel Treaty would deliver this power shift worldwide. People from Nigeria to Newcastle would have access to the energy they need, rather than basic necessities being hoarded by those in the global north that can afford them.
The moment to make UK politicians take notice of the Fossil Fuel Treaty is now
Every single MP in the UK will be trying to win our votes this year. Polling shows that there are far fewer ‘safe seats’ than normal, so a lot of spots in parliament are up for grabs.
Additionally, the Labour Party, which is currently leading in the polls, has already committed to not handing out new oil and gas licences if they’re voted in. We need to show them that this is a popular direction of travel, and that many of us want them to go even further, funding the transition in the global south and ramping up renewable energy investment at home.
And, with this government travelling down such a dark path on so many issues, we need a plan for the climate that has justice at its core. The Fossil Fuel Treaty would commit signatories to a globally just transition for people everywhere. It’s an opportunity to keep demanding that the UK government plays its part in making this happen.
This government’s commitment to climate-wrecking oil and gas has caused fierce backlash from MPs in all political parties. Conservative MPs have resigned and spoken out publicly. Now is the perfect time to present a new plan.
The Fossil Fuel Treaty is bold and exciting. It’s also workable and puts us on a clear path forward. Throughout this election year, we need party leaders to hear that message. Write to them today.
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