February 10, 2025
16 C
Dhaka

Bahamas, Pakistan join global push to end fossil fuels

The treaty would be complementary to the Paris agreement and UN initiatives, and would specifically address the jobs, revenue and energy access tied to fossil fuels

In a major environmental feat, the Bahamas and Pakistan have joined a global emerging bloc of climate-vulnerable countries eying a global pact to phase out fossil fuels in an equitable way and fund a Just Transition away from the threat of coal, oil and gas production.

It comes as the push for the treaty gains momentum following the COP29 negotiations, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative revealed in a statement on Wednesday.

Once enacted, the proposed pact would establish a clear pathway for countries to follow the science and comply with existing commitments dating back to the 1992 UN climate summit in Rio de Janeiro, which enshrined the principle of equity into international law, by acknowledging the different capabilities and responsibilities of individual countries in addressing the climate crisis.

The treaty would be complementary to the Paris Agreement and UN initiatives, and would specifically address the jobs, revenue and energy access tied to fossil fuels.

Governments and organisations leading the initiative have welcomed Pakistan and the Bahamas’ engagement.

Through the development, Pakistan becomes the first country in South Asia to engage with the group to understand the contours of the proposal for the treaty.

The group of now 16 countries across four continents includes a coalition of small island nations from the Caribbean and the Pacific, with Antigua and Barbuda, Vanuatu and Tuvalu continuing to display their leadership in international climate diplomacy, and is now advancing discussions to develop a Fossil Fuel Treaty.

Romina Khurshid Alam, coordinator to the Pakistan Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, said: “Finance and cooperation are necessary for addressing the energy access challenges faced by countries like Pakistan.

“We acknowledge the importance of advancing discussions on equitable solutions and will engage the international partners to explore different pathways in this regard,” Romina said.

“We are also joining, to analyse the pros and the cons of the proposal put forward by the 16 countries for a new international way forward – a treaty aimed at phasing out fossil fuel within a time bound framework, contingent on the provision of adequate financing and technology work,” Romina

As a climate-vulnerable nation, Pakistan faces escalating impacts, from the catastrophic flooding that submerged a third of the country in 2022 to extreme heatwaves, droughts, and glacial melting. These underscore the urgent need for decisive action to tackle fossil fuels and address the climate crisis.

The Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal advocates for a transition rooted in equity and justice, with wealthy nations responsible for the highest emissions transitioning first and fastest while offering finance and technical support for developing and climate-vulnerable countries to transition away from fossil fuels.

Rochelle W. Newbold, special advisor on Climate Change and Environmental Matters to the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, said: “My country is advancing efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, the transition will require infrastructural changes, retraining of workers, financial investments, and fit for purpose technologies that are accessible and affordable. Therefore, participating in the development of this treaty is important as it will have implications that could impact my country and my people.”

During the 79th UN General Assembly in September in New York, The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis underscored the need to strengthen international cooperation towards a sustainable, renewable-powered future, to address the climate crisis.

“The rise in global temperatures of more than 1.5°C this past year has put us in a new reality. Real effort, serious action, and tangible progress – these are the only paths to sustainable solutions. We must prioritise energy solutions around sources of renewable energy,” Davis said.

“We need a renewed commitment to collective, multilateral action. The 1.5°C threshold cannot be an endpoint, but a turning point; an opportunity to reject complacency and chart a new course, one grounded in innovation, collaboration, and a resolute commitment to a just and sustainable future,” the Bahamas PM said.

The Bahamas is among island nations on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The region faces some of the most severe climate impacts, such as sea level rise, more frequent and intense hurricanes, driving island nations deep into debt and hindering their governments’ abilities to provide essential services to their citizens.

In 2019, the island suffered what is considered the worst climate disaster in its recorded history, Hurricane Dorian, which not only led to the widespread loss of lives but also cost the island at least $3.4 billion in loss and damage.

In line with this, The Bahamas is among small island states participating in public hearings underway at the International Court of Justice, where it has presented its arguments in relation to States’ International obligations regarding climate change and its impacts on vulnerable countries.

This announcement follows the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Endorsing Nations recently held at COP29 in Baku, which brought together ministers and senior officials from countries spearheading the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal.

Government representatives from the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and observer nations from Africa, Asia, and Europe, announced they are moving to the next phase to secure a negotiating mandate for the proposed treaty.

Latest News

Coastal climate adaptation fair held in Bangladesh

Local innovations that attracted attention included "Rozela Tea" and...

How can Nepal reduce forest fire risks?

Nepal loses a great deal each year to forest...

Youth must lead the charge in climate action – VC SUST

Acting Vice-Chancellor of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology...

Concrete blocks offer hope amid Bangladesh’s Brick kilns pollution

Narayanganj – a district spanning 683 square kilometers with...
spot_img
spot_img

Editor's Choice

COP29: A step forward or a missed opportunity?

The UN climate summit ended on Sunday with a...

Nepal’s First GCF Project shining but hit by long processes

The family of Lalit Thapa from Dudhauli Municipality-3, Upper...

Urban flooding rises in Dili due to high rainfall intensity

Over the past 20 years, Timor-Leste has been experiencing...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Topics