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Pakistan and the Bahamas have joined a growing coalition of climate-vulnerable countries in endorsing a proposed fossil-fuel non-proliferation treaty. This treaty would provide a binding global roadmap to halt the expansion of coal, oil, and gas in a fair and equitable manner, with wealthy nations taking the lead in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The Bahamas is the 15th nation to fully endorse the treaty, joining other countries such as Colombia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, and Tuvalu. In addition, 120 cities and local governments, 3,000 academics, and 101 Nobel laureates have also endorsed the initiative. The World Health Organization, the Vatican, and thousands of non-profits, youth leaders, and faith organizations have also shown their support.
Pakistan’s endorsement marks the first country in South Asia to formally engage with the coalition in developing the treaty. This is a significant step towards a just energy transition, as it recognizes the need for financial and technical support for developing and climate-vulnerable countries to ensure that workers and communities dependent on fossil fuels are not left behind.
The momentum for the treaty has been growing, with two ministerial-level meetings in 2024 and formal negotiations expected to begin next year. Other countries from around the world are also considering endorsing or developing the treaty, according to Kumi Naidoo, president of the initiative.
The proposed treaty is a response to the failure of the UN climate summits to come up with a meaningful and fair agreement to address the climate crisis. Fossil fuels are the biggest contributor to the climate crisis, and urgent action is needed to avoid catastrophic consequences such as extreme weather events, droughts, and sea level rise.
The treaty would establish a clear pathway for countries to follow the science and comply with existing commitments made at the 1992 UN climate summit in Rio de Janeiro. It is hoped that the formal negotiations, expected to begin in 2025, will send a strong signal to the fossil fuel industry and pave the way for a just and sustainable energy transition.