Everything we do needs energy. The type of energy we use shapes the world around us, from how clean is the air we breathe, to how shock-proof our economies are.
A rapid transition in energy use is at the centre of solving climate breakdown. The world still uses coal, oil and gas for over 80 percent of its energy needs. But the rise of renewable energy around the world is beating all expectations. Meeting climate targets means more than just having lots of solar panels and wind turbines, though – it means leaving fossil fuels in the ground, and radically reducing the amount of energy used in high-consuming countries and groups of people.
A rapid transition to clean and lower energy use can bring jobs, a wide range of health benefits, cleaner air and a more stable climate. Evidence shows that where communities own and develop renewable energy schemes the benefits spread more broadly and any problems are more easily overcome. It’s around energy that some of the most rapid and promising changes are happening right now.
A new approach is needed to tackle the climate crisis, in which the long overlooked supply-side of fossil fuels takes centre stage. A crucial aspect of this is the need for international agreements and law to effectively and fairly leave large swathes of remaining fossil fuels in the ground.
In 2019, the Rapid Transition Alliance set out the case for a Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty. Political momentum is building behind the idea of supply-side climate policy. A new global Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty could provide a transparent and fair means to stop climate breakdown.
The Alliance has joined a number of global and grassroots organisations and individuals joined the campaign for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Fossil Fuels remain the main cause of the Climate Emergency with coal, oil and gas responsible for almost 80% of all carbon dioxide emissions since the industrial revolution. Phasing out fossil fuels and fast tracking sustainable solutions will require require unprecedented international cooperation
You can join the initiative and endorse the Treaty today here.
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Commentary
Sustainable energy policy in Germany: A case of natural gas lock-inA new Working Paper from STEPS Summer School alumni seeks to explain why (and how) natural gas has assumed such a dominant role in German energy policy,...
Story of change
How Whatcom County opposed fossil fuel expansion and showed how to winFor more than two years now, the small community of Whatcom County, in Northwest Washington State in the U.S. has been working with local leaders to take...
Commentary
Meet The Members – Paul Allen, Centre for Alternative TechnologyThe Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is an educational charity dedicated to researching and communicating positive solutions for environmental...
Story of change
Shine On: Solar power is eclipsing coal, oil, gas and nuclear energy with rapid growth and cost reductionsA heatwave across Europe was a reminder of the dangers of climate breakdown, but also of the enormous opportunities for tapping into the clean renewable...
Story of change
Back from the brink: how the world rapidly sealed a deal to save the ozone layerAs a chorus of questions rises about whether the world can act quickly enough to prevent climate breakdown, one lesson from recent history suggests rapid...
Story of change
Can Costa Rica’s path to carbon neutrality be replicated by other countries?While the UN unveils another devastating report on biodiversity loss, showing the threat from humanity to the rest of life on earth, and as countries puzzle...
Commentary
What would a climate emergency plan look like?Across the world, national and local governments are declaring a climate emergency on the back of dire warnings from UN scientists about the need for urgent...
Story of change
From oil crisis to energy revolution – how nations once before planned to kick the oil habitJust as the modern oil and debt fuelled consumer age was building momentum in wealthy industrialised countries, the energy taps were turned off by the 1973...
Commentary
Given Half a Chance: Ten Ways to Save the WorldEnvironmentalist Edward Davey’s new book, Given Half a Chance: Ten Ways to Save the World shows how little it would take to set a rapid transition in...
