The Fossil Fuel Treaty: A Bold Global Response to the Climate Crisis

by Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative

What is the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative?

The Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative is a global effort to foster international cooperation to accelerate a transition to renewable energy for everyone, end the expansion of coal, oil and gas, and equitably phase out existing production in keeping with what science shows is needed to address the climate crisis. It builds on decades of calls and campaigns for a fossil fuel phase out and fair energy transition by government, civil society, Indigenous, grassroots and other leaders - particularly from the Global South - and aims to compliment other movements' tactics such as divestment, debt relief and fossil fuel bans as well as the work being advanced by the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance and the Power Past Coal Alliance.  

While the Paris Agreement set a crucial global climate target, many governments - including self-proclaimed climate leaders - have continued to approve new coal, oil and gas projects even though burning the world’s current fossil fuel reserves would result in seven times more emissions than what is compatible with keeping warming below 1.5ºC.

In order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, we need international cooperation to explicitly stop the expansion of fossil fuels and manage a global and just transition away from coal, oil and gas in a manner that is both fast and fair, so that no worker, community or country is left behind.

This is why significant momentum is building behind the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Treaty.

The Fossil Treaty is not an organisation, it’s an idea - one backed by a growing global network of governments, civil society organisations, academics, scientists, youth activists, health professionals, faith institutions, Indigenous peoples and hundreds of thousands of other citizens globally.

Together they have joined a global initiative building momentum and diplomatic support behind this big, bold idea commensurate with the scale of the crisis we face

Why do we need a Fossil Fuel Treaty?

After decades of climate negotiations, fossil fuels have finally been dragged centre stage. Despite this, many governments are still approving new coal, oil and gas projects - threatening our chances of limiting warming to 1.5ºC.

Nearly half the global population is already exposed to climate change impacts. Wealthy industrialised nations are most responsible for total emissions and continue to be responsible for disproportionately high levels of per capita consumption emissions. The Treaty must aim to redress global imbalances while filtering equity based responses through at the regional, national and local level. A response that is equitable, enforceable, holistic and post-extractive is key to justice.

It's crystal clear: we now need a concrete, binding plan to end the expansion of new coal, oil and gas projects and manage a global transition away from fossil fuels.

To protect people from the threat fossil fuels pose to our climate, our health and our future, a growing bloc of 18 countries are seeking a negotiating mandate for a Fossil Fuel Treaty.

The proposed treaty would complement the Paris Agreement by providing the global roadmap needed to halt the expansion of fossil fuel, manage an equitable phase-out of coal, oil and gas, and lay the foundations for a true, just energy transition in which no worker, community or country is left behind.

How is the momentum for a Fossil Fuel Treaty Growing?

We stand at a crossroads unlike any other in human history. After 30 COPs and a decade since the Paris Agreement, fossil fuel production continues to rise, pushing the world further into climate chaos.

Yet a vast, just, and democratic global transition to a fossil-free world is gaining momentum - and can be accelerated through strengthened international cooperation. Building on COP28’s agreement to “transition away from fossil fuels” and the historic International Court of Justice ruling affirming that states have a legal duty to protect the climate - and that fossil fuel production, licensing, and subsidies may constitute an internationally wrongful act - a courageous bloc of Global South governments, backed by civil society, businesses, and frontline communities, is leading the charge.

The next critical step is the First International Conference for the Phase Out of Fossil Fuels, to be hosted by Colombia, a participating state of the Treaty discussions, and the Netherlands in 2026. The landmark convening will take place on 28-29 April 2026, in the port city of Santa Marta, Colombia, which plays a significant role in coal exports. Pacific nations have committed to convening a subsequent meeting in the region to advance the outcomes.

The proposed Fossil Fuel Treaty - once the missing piece in global climate governance - is now beginning to become a reality. Governments are seeking a mandate to negotiate the global roadmap needed to complement and implement the Paris Agreement by accelerating the shift to diversified, accessible renewable energy, ending new fossil fuel projects, and managing an equitable phase-out of existing oil, gas and coal production.

This is the moment to deliver real global leadership to end fossil fuel dependence, build a world rooted in justice and equity, and protect what we love: our communities, our shared future, and the planet we call home.