The Lord God took the humans and put them in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.” – Genesis 2:15
From the beginning, humanity’s vocation has been one of care — to cultivate and to protect. Today, that calling feels more urgent than ever as the climate crisis deepens through continued extraction and burning of fossil fuels. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a bold global proposal seeking to address this crisis at its source.
Modelled on the nuclear non-proliferation framework, the treaty has three central pillars:
- Non-Proliferation – An immediate end to new fossil fuel expansion. Science is clear: we cannot open new coal mines, oil wells, or gas fields if we are to limit global temperature rise and avoid catastrophic climate impacts.
- Fair Phase-Out – A managed and equitable wind-down of existing fossil fuel production. Wealthy nations, which have historically contributed most to greenhouse gas emissions, are called to lead in reducing production while supporting lower-income countries.
- Fast and Just Transition – A rapid shift to renewable energy systems, ensuring workers, communities, and vulnerable nations are supported through investment, job creation, and climate finance.
For faith communities, this is a moral issue rooted in justice, stewardship, and love of neighbour. Climate change disproportionately affects those who have contributed least to the problem — the poor, future generations, and fragile ecosystems. Supporting the treaty is a way to live out our sacred responsibility to “keep” the garden entrusted to us.
Faith leaders and communities worldwide have signed a multi-faith letter urging governments to adopt this treaty. You can learn more and add your voice here:
👉 https://fossilfueltreaty.org/faith-letter
Now is the time for faith to be visible, courageous, and hopeful — safeguarding creation for generations to come.