Keep fossil fuels in the ground

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To prevent climate breakdown we need to stop exploring for more fossil fuels, and rapidly decline existing production. Frontline communities are leading the way. Early action by wealthy producers, and protections for workers, communities and economies, will help end the fossil fuel era, and transition to a 100% renewable energy future.

Climate leadership requires a managed decline of fossil fuel production

Addressing the climate crisis will require action to address our dependence on oil, coal, and gas.
We need to stop the exploration and expansion of fossil fuel projects, and manage the decline of existing production in line with the Paris climate goals.
The future will be built on clean, safe, and renewable fuels. It is time for nations to fully embrace 21st century energy, and phase out fossil fuels.

We act in solidarity with affected and frontline communities

Affected communities worldwide are defending their lives and livelihoods against fossil fuel extraction and climate change. We look to them as leaders for a safer future.
Continued expansion of oil, coal, and gas is hindering the inevitable transition, while exacerbating conflicts, fuelling corruption, threatening biodiversity, clean water and air, and infringing the rights of indigenous peoples and vulnerable communities.

Further fossil fuel exploration and development is dangerous

Research shows that the carbon embedded in existing fossil fuel production will take us far beyond safe climate limits.
Not only is new exploration and production incompatible with limiting warming to well below 2°C and 1.5°C, but many existing power plants, mines and wells will need to be phased-out long before their lifespan ends.

Wealthy fossil fuel producers must change

Countries, regions, and corporate actors who are best positioned in terms of wealth and capacity have an urgent responsibility and moral obligation of to lead in putting an end to fossil fuel development and to manage the decline of existing production.
In particular, leadership must come from countries that are high-income, that have already benefitted from fossil fuel extraction, and that are historically responsible for significant emissions.
These actors must recognize that continued fossil fuel exploration and production without a managed decline and a just transition is irreconcilable with meaningful climate action.

Urgent action is needed to keep fossil fuels in the ground

Developed countries should pledge a just and equitable transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Governments should phase out subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, and pledge to fully divest from fossil fuels by 2020.
Required are an:
- Immediate and outright ban on fracking.
- Immediate global moratorium on new fossil fuel exploration and extraction techniques.
- Immediate global moratorium on new coal projects.
Moving beyond oil, coal, and gas – both demand and production – is not only possible, but can be done while protecting workers, communities, and economies.

For more information see:
The People’s Climate Demands
The Lofoten Declaration