Resource
We need a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty – and we need it nowThe publication of the IPCC special report on global warming of 1.5 degrees concluded that only “rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all...
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.
Commentary
The business of rapid transitionBusiness represents the great paradox of rapid transition. On the one hand, much is expected of business in terms of technological innovation, new models of...
Story of change
The big rebuild: one-week zero-carbon home makeovers and setting new comfort levels‘Build, build, build’ is a call heard to boost economies trying to bounce back from the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis impact of the...
Resource
Sweat not oil: Why sports should drop advertising and sponsorship from high-carbon pollutersThe global sports industry was worth an estimated $471 billion in 2018. Corporate sponsorship in sport is a multi-million dollar business but do we really...
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
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
Reducing roads can cause traffic to ‘Evaporate’In April 2019 a heavily-used bridge across the River Thames in London was closed indefinitely due to structural problems. Local media were full of alarm,...
Story of change
Reclaiming the streets: the increasing trend of pedestrianisation around the worldAs urban dwellers and city administrations become increasingly conscious of the corrosive effects cars and air pollution have on our lives and lungs, cities...
Story of change
Reclaiming power: The rapid rise of community renewable energy and why the added benefits of local, clean power can help accelerate transitionRenewable energy is on the rise. It made up more than a quarter of global electricity generation (27%) in 2019 and is outpacing all other energy sources’...
Commentary
Real climate leadership means ending finance for fossil fuelsIf the UK is going to be a good host for COP26 and pave the way for rapid transition, its climate policies need to be more coherent – and it could start...