The outcome of COP28 has been the subject of feverish negotiation in Dubai over the last two weeks. Today, we finally have an agreement. But the final text falls short of what is now so desperately needed: a rapid, equitable phase out of the single largest driver of the climate crisis – fossil fuels.  

That’s why SOS-UK is today formally endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The proposed treaty aims to complement the Paris Agreement and UN COP process by providing a global roadmap for halting the expansion of fossil fuels, managing an equitable phase out of oil, gas and coal and laying the foundations for a truly just transition.  

A group of 12 nation states spanning three continents are now formally part of the initiative, seeking to negotiate an international Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The project is backed by the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament and thousands of others, including SOS-UK.  

This year’s COP28 agreement is the first to even mention fossil fuels explicitly. That demonstrates more clearly than ever that consensus-based decision-making within the UN’s COP process will never, on its own, meet the climate crisis with the level of ambition required to tackle it effectively. We also need bold international initiatives that raise ambition and model proportionate climate justice action. This is the intention of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – and it’s why we’re proud to add our voice to the growing international movement for its adoption.  

Find out more about our work supporting young people advocating for quality climate education at COP28 here. For more information on the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, follow this link.