Ask your TDs to support a fossil fuel phase out

The outcome of COP28 hangs in the balance. Arguments continue about whether to include a commitment to phase out fossil fuels. Loopholes and language that keep the door open to false solutions like carbon capture and storage are sending shivers down my spine.

One thing is clear. Getting a good outcome at COP28 is important. But whatever way it goes, we can’t rely on it. With climate breakdown getting worse each day we urgently need an alternative global agreement to phase out fossil fuels. Such an agreement could compliment a good COP outcome or help substitute a bad outcome. 

Ask TDs to support a global treaty to phase out fossil fuels

That’s why Friends of the Earth has been pushing the Irish Government to support the development of a new Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. This treaty has been inspired by the Treaty for the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons that slowed the spread of nuclear arms in the 1960s and 70s.

Twelve countries are on board so far. We’ve a big opportunity to put Ireland on the road to joining them tomorrow! In less than 24 hours Irish TDs will vote on a motion calling on the Government to endorse the development of this Fossil Fuel Treaty. We’ve got to make sure they vote the right way.

Will you take our e-action asking your TDs to support this motion?

Yes I'll act now

TDs will vote on this motion early tomorrow morning. They’ll be making their final decision on how to vote as you read this email. The Government hasn’t said a clear no to supporting it. I think a lot of TDs could be on the fence. Imagine how they’ll feel if they get hundreds of emails today urging them to support the motion. It could be the final push they need to vote for a safer planet and a fossil-free future. 

Take the e-action to phase out fossil fuels

When hundreds of us act together we can be a real force for change. People power and activism have already forced Irish councils and other prominent institutions like UCC to support the Fossil Fuel Treaty. If we flood TDs with emails today, the Irish Government could be next. It gives me hope that activists worldwide are pushing their Governments to join the treaty too. And it was a real shot in the arm to see Colombia become the first major coal producer to support the treaty at the start of the month. 

Regardless of the COP28 outcome, we won’t let climate laggards stop us from building the fossil-free future we so desperately need. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty can be a powerful tool to help build that future - even if every country doesn’t join it. A lot of the big countries that were stockpiling nuclear weapons never joined the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but they did stop stockpiling nuclear weapons. 

Let’s seize this opportunity to make Ireland show real climate leadership!