Baku
As COP29 nears its conclusion in Baku, a coalition of scientists, artists, faith leaders, and climate advocates on Friday has issued a powerful call for stronger action on climate finance. They are demanding a clear, actionable plan for a just transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
More than 100 signatories, including environmental scientists, actors, writers, and youth leaders, have come together to urge world leaders to take bold steps to ensure a fair transition to a cleaner, safer future. They expressed frustration over the lack of progress and commitment from wealthy nations, despite ongoing negotiations.
The call came after the release of a revised text from the talks, which acknowledged the need to prioritize grants but failed to specify clear financial targets for mitigating climate impacts, adapting to changes, and addressing loss and damage in developing countries. The open letter calls for a global plan that includes the adoption of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. This treaty, the signatories argue, would ensure a coordinated, just phase-out of fossil fuels and support for clean energy transitions worldwide.
Prominent figures like scientist David Suzuki and actress Alysia Reiner have highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that immediate action is needed to prevent further environmental degradation. Activist Mitzi Jonelle Tan also stressed the importance of global leadership in ending the fossil fuel era for the sake of both people and the planet.
