The Catholic Justice and Peace Department is pleased to announce its formal endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, a global initiative aimed at addressing the urgent climate crisis by phasing out fossil fuels and supporting a just transition to sustainable energy sources.
This decision aligns with the teachings of the Catholic Church on the care for our common home, as emphasized in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a vital step towards reducing carbon emissions, protecting vulnerable communities, and ensuring a sustainable future for all. Notably, the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty has been endorsed by a Vatican cardinal, the symposium episcopal conference of Africa and Madagascar, and 13 nation-states.
The Treaty calls for three main actions:
- Non-Proliferation: An end to new exploration and production of fossil fuels to prevent further aggravation of the climate crisis.
- Fair Phase-Out: An equitable and managed decline of existing fossil fuel production in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
- Just Transition: A commitment to a just transition for workers, communities, and countries dependent on fossil fuels, ensuring that the transition to a clean energy economy is fair and inclusive.
The Catholic Justice and Peace Department recognizes the moral imperative to act decisively in the face of the climate emergency. By endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, we reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship and social justice. We urge other faith-based organizations, governments, and civil society groups to join us in supporting this crucial initiative through https://fossilfueltreaty.org/faith-letter .
Quotes:
“Towards enhancing peace with the planet we support the treaty fully. This is in solidarity with the most vulnerable members of the society. Today fossil fuel contributes mostly to climate change which greatly affects the poor. In this regard the continued use of fossil fuels undermines the Catholic principle of preferential option for the poor. The Catholic Church through her domestic, regional and international structures will actively engage in shuttle diplomacy towards the Fossil fuel treaty. Eusebius Atamalo” – Head of the CJPD
“We must stop the use of fossil fuels because they not only are toxic to the environment but they also destroy human life through the effects of their poisonous emissions to the air and water that humans consume. They poison the creation that God once proclaimed good. As we endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-ProliferationTreaty, I echo the sentiments of Pope Francis that the ecological transition to save the world could be done by embracing renewable energy, the elimination of fossil fuels and education in lifestyles that are less or not dependent on them.” – Fr. John Webootsa, Theologian CJPD
“The Catholic Justice and Peace Department endorsement is both welcome and timely. We’ve gained momentum in promoting faith-based leadership to end fossil fuels. This endorsement strengthens our efforts as we approach the Faith Global Day of Action for the Treaty later this year during the Season of Creation.” – Ashley Kitisya, Fossil Free Campaigner at Laudato Si’ Movement.
“ We welcome the Kenya Catholic Justice and Peace Department’s endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Treaty, which signifies growing support for a global transition away from fossil fuels. This support underscores the need for a binding international agreement that charts a clear path for an equitable shift to safe, affordable, and people-centered renewable energy systems. We must acknowledge the plight of frontline communities facing the harshest impacts of fossil fuel extraction and consumption, and take joint, decisive action to foster a sustainable future that benefits all of humanity.” Prince Papa – Africa Campaigner, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty