Friends of the Earth Call on Minister Ryan to Advocate for Fossil Fuel Phase-Out in Pact for the Future

Friends of the Earth has issued an urgent appeal to Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, to champion the inclusion of a fossil fuel phase-out and a just transition in the upcoming Pact for the Future. This essential document will be presented at the United Nations Summit of the Future (SOTF), a critical event billed as a 'once in a generation' opportunity to reshape global governance.

Friends of the Earth Ireland expressed deep concern over the Pact for the Future draft, which omits any reference to fossil fuels – the primary drivers of the climate crisis. The organisation is calling on the Irish government to leverage the Summit to support the development of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, a mechanism for international cooperation to manage the essential phase-out of fossil fuel production.

 

David Rossiter, Fossil-Free Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:

"International cooperation is crucial in addressing the most significant threats to humanity's future. The extraction and burning of fossil fuels are not only the main causes of the climate crisis but also undermine all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This jeopardises public health, fuels conflict, exacerbates social inequalities, and threatens biodiversity."

 

Friends of the Earth have written to Minister Ryan to highlight the alarming omission of fossil fuels in the latest Pact for the Future revisions. Friends of the Earth argues that the Summit's goal to "deliver a better present and safeguard the future" cannot be achieved without addressing the threat of fossil fuels.

 

David Rossiter continued, 

"Friends of the Earth Ireland is urging the Pact for the Future to include concrete commitments, such as ending the expansion of fossil fuel extraction, agreeing on an equitable phase-out of existing production, and developing a global plan for a just transition. This includes providing financial and technological support to countries heavily dependent on fossil fuels, enabling them to transition to renewable energy, diversify their economies, and ensure a fair transition for workers and communities."

"We believe that the Pact for the Future must address the challenges of the 21st century and include commitments that ensure no one is left behind. This includes a managed decline in fossil fuel production supporting vulnerable communities and countries."

 

In addition to the above, Friends of the Earth Ireland calls for the immediate cessation of fossil fuel extraction in ecologically sensitive areas, with international support for alternative economic opportunities. The organisation also emphasises the need for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to serve as a framework for global cooperation on fossil fuel production.

 

Jerry Mac Evilly, Head of Policy at Friends of the Earth, added, 

"Friends of the Earth Ireland is urging Minister Ryan to take a firm stance at the UN Summit of the Future, ensuring that the Pact for the Future includes the necessary commitments to phase out fossil fuels and support a just transition. The organisation is confident that with strong leadership, Ireland can play a pivotal role in securing a sustainable future for all. With an election approaching, the time is now for Minister Ryan to secure his legacy and have the Irish government endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty."

 

ENDS