MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF VANUATU AND THE FOSSIL FUEL NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY SECRETARIAT
December 1st, 2023 - Dubai – With the world's attention directed to Dubai today as Heads of State formally speak at the Opening Ceremony of the COP28 High-Level Segment, the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., used his plenary speech to publicly join the growing bloc of now 9 nation states seeking a negotiating mandate for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
His Excellency Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau, said in his high-level statement at COP28: “Our ocean feeds us, protects us, and defines us. We must protect it in return. We are witnessing the consequences of ignoring the planet's limits—floods, droughts, heat, famine, death. The solution to the climate crisis requires everyone’s participation. Today, Palau joins Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and other nations in calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. We are sovereign countries, however we share one planet. We are stronger together, and we must unite, act and deliver to keep 1.5ºC alive!”
As a large ocean state consisting of an archipelago of 586 islands located in the Western Pacific Ocean, Palau is deeply vulnerable to the climate crisis, which poses several threats to the country. With approximately 1,500km of coastline, Palau's main vulnerabilities involve its coastal and marine areas, given that the majority of its population, infrastructure and cultural sites are in coastal areas. These include extreme high tides, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, increase in drought and storm activity, increased sea-surface temperature and coral bleaching. Like other Pacific Island states, this vulnerability is exacerbated by its geographical remoteness and isolation.
With this bold move, the Pacific Island state of Palau joins 8 other countries - Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, the Solomon Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and Timor-Leste - who are spearheading a push to secure a mandate to negotiate a new international mechanism to manage a phase out of fossil fuels, and finance a just and equitable global transition away from oil, gas and coal.
Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu's Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geohazards and Disaster Management, welcomed the announcement, saying: "Vanuatu warmly welcomes the call from our fellow Pacific neighbour Palau. As stewards of our Pacific Ocean home, we stand united in our commitment to a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, showing the power of Island nations to develop a comprehensive multilateral framework that addresses climate change at its source. Vanuatu spearheaded the effort to secure an advisory opinion on climate change from the ICJ - along with our allies we’ve proven that we can mobilise our collective ambition at the multilateral level. And a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is the natural next step. Together, we are forging a path towards a just and equitable energy transition, ensuring the resilience of our islands and the protection of our people."
Hon. Seve Paeniu, Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Tuvalu, said: "Last year we became the second country to call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, right here in the UN Climate Talks, held in Egypt. Tuvalu now greets Palau as it joins hands with us in advocating for this bold new proposal. Our resilient nations share a common destiny, and this treaty represents a crucial step towards securing our future. With Palau and Colombia on board, our collective efforts gain stronger momentum, turning the tide against the existential threat of fossil fuels. Together, we will build a sustainable future, safeguarding our shared heritage and ensuring the survival of our unique island cultures."
Alex Rafalowicz, Executive Director of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said: “Palau rightfully recognises that the test for the international community on climate is stopping the expansion of fossil fuels. Their leadership in calling for a fossil fuel treaty is a shining light of hope in the dirty smoke of COP28. More countries must join them in designing a real plan to cut the cord on our reliance on fossil fuels.”
Along with the group of nine nations, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty proposal is also supported by the World Health Organization, the European Parliament, 101 Nobel Laureates, 600+ parliamentarians in 83 countries, 2,100 civil society organisations, 3,000 scientists and academics and over 90 cities and subnational governments, including most recently the State of California, the fifth largest economy in the world, and 9 Peruvian Indigenous Nations.
In this crescendo of support for international cooperation, the movement for a Fossil Fuel Treaty stands stronger than ever, heading to more major endorsements by the end of COP28, appearing as a testament to the growing momentum behind the push for a fast and fair phase out of coal, oil and gas.