Scottish Bishops call for fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland (BCOS) have released a statement encouraging world leaders to agree to and establish a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, committing all nations to a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels.

The statement, which is released to mark the COP29 climate summit taking place in Azerbaijan from 11th - 22nd November, calls on Scotland to play its role in realising the common good by participating in a swift transition away from fossil fuels to protect people and our planet, both now and in the future, from further global warming caused by fossil fuel extraction. Crucially, in recognising the workers and communities in Scotland who rely on fossil fuel industries for their livelihood, the statement emphasises that any such transition must have justice at its core and ensure that no one is left behind, particularly those currently employed in this sector who must be ensured secure work in the move towards renewables.

The full text of the statement follows:

BISHOPS' CONFERENCE OF SCOTLAND STATEMENT ON FOSSIL FUEL NON-PROLIFERATION AND A JUST TRANSITION

14TH NOVEMBER 2024

To mark COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, three years after Scotland hosted COP26 in Glasgow, we, the Catholic Bishops of Scotland, encourage world leaders to agree to and establish a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to commit all nations to a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels.

This transition is vital to address the urgent needs of our planet and its people both in Scotland and overseas; those currently suffering from economic precarity, poverty and environmental destruction; and the unborn future generations from whom we are borrowing the Earth.

Scotland must contribute to the global effort for the common good by playing its part in a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. It is vital, however, that this transition has justice at its core. Recognising the many workers and communities in Scotland who have relied on fossil fuels for their livelihoods, we emphasise that any proposition to move away from fossil fuels must cite clear commitments to a just and equitable transition for all, in particular those in need of secure jobs in the post-carbon economy.

Simultaneously, commitments must realise justice globally for those who are already the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and who cannot endure further global warming caused by any more fossil fuel extraction.

Through establishing and implementing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty that commits all nations to a just transition, world leaders can ensure that the common good is realised both locally and internationally as "the climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all." (Laudato Si, 23). As we move forward, let us embrace the challenge of COP29 with hope and determination, fostering a sustainable future for all.

Together, we can answer the call for justice and stewardship of our planet.