Countries seek alternative fossil fuel treaty ahead of COP31

Roughly 60 countries gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia, in April for the first Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. Living on Earth reported that the meeting represented an alternative path for nations and non-governmental organisations seeking faster action to slow the climate crisis. [1]

The diplomatic push occurs as the United Nations prepares for the COP31 climate session in Turkey in mid-November. According to Living on Earth, frustration over the persistent gap between international discussions and concrete action after nearly three decades of UN climate sessions prompted the alternative effort. [1]

The initiative seeks to create a treaty that stops fossil fuel exploration and expansion, phases out existing production, and supports a just transition to renewable energy. The effort aims to align global energy production with the climate targets established in the Paris Agreement. [2]

Formal UN negotiations occur under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was signed in 1992 to limit dangerous human interference with the climate system. The convention operates on the principle that developed countries should lead emissions reductions due to their historical impact. [3]