Lilongwe Becomes First African City to Support Fossil Fuel Treaty
MALAWI (Eco Media) — Lilongwe has become the first African capital city to back the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. It is one of two Malawian cities, alongside Mzuzu, that have now endorsed the proposal.
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is a global movement aimed at accelerating the transition to renewable energy for all, halting the expansion of coal, oil, and gas, and equitably phasing out existing fossil fuel production in line with scientific recommendations to address the climate crisis.
The initiative builds on decades of advocacy from governments, civil society, Indigenous groups, grassroots movements, and leaders, especially from the Global South, who have long called for a fair energy transition and a phase-out of fossil fuels.
Since the initiative began, it has garnered support from 13 nation-states, 115 cities and subnational governments, 3,555 organizations, institutions, and businesses, and 926,488 individuals who have endorsed the Treaty and urged governments to take action.
As Malawi chairs the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group, the move by its capital city to advocate for a Treaty is critical to ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable are prioritized in the global transition to a renewable-powered future.
The two cities, home to over 1.2 million people, are joining more than 110 cities and subnational governments on every continent in demanding an equitable global transition away from fossil fuels.
Lilongwe City Council Deputy Mayor Ruth Chingwalu said they are committed to making the city a fossil fuel-free zone.
She said: “Our nation’s vulnerability to climate change, caused by fossil fuels, has had devastating effects on our communities. To prevent climate catastrophe, urgent action at all levels and international cooperation are essential to ensure a safe and livable future for us all. In line with this, Lilongwe City Council would like to use this opportunity to join others in calling for a Fossil Fuel Treaty to phase out fossil fuels and foster a fair transition to renewable energy.”
Mzuzu City Council Mayor Kondani Nyasulu stated they are pursuing a faster, deeper, and more ambitious approach to tackling climate change and the emission of greenhouse gases that address the root cause of these intertwined crises—fossil fuels.
“We are joining others to phase out the extraction of coal, oil, and gas, as well as thin plastic production, through the endorsement of the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty,” he said.
Due to the country’s high degree of climate vulnerability, the endorsement by Malawian cities is of considerable significance for frontline communities disproportionately affected by the crisis across the continent.
Malawi has experienced more than 19 major flooding events and 7 droughts over the past five decades.
These climate catastrophes are being supercharged by the global expansion of fossil fuel extraction, responsible for nearly 90% of carbon emissions released in the last decade.
With at least 76% of Lilongwe’s residents living in informal settlements, floods are particularly disruptive, leading to the destruction of property, displacement of people, and loss of lives.
These cities, like other vulnerable populations in developing countries and island states, contribute the least to climate change yet suffer the worst of its impacts, with fewer resources to adapt and recover from these disasters.
As communities grapple with the escalating impacts of the climate crisis, one of Malawi’s environmental activists, Steven Chisendenji, emphasized the need for urgent global action to stop the expansion of fossil fuels, address the crisis, and foster a sustainable future built on renewables.
“We hope that the endorsements of the treaty by the mayors of Lilongwe and Mzuzu will prompt other cities and countries across the continent to follow suit and garner greater support for a treaty, for the sake of humanity and nature,” he said.
Seble Samuel, Head of Africa Campaigns & Advocacy for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, stated that fossil fuels have failed to power the continent and enrich its people.
He said: “Lilongwe and Mzuzu’s call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty is one that should be echoed across Africa for a people-centered, just transition to renewable energy, to achieve energy sovereignty and climate justice for our people and our continent.”
What Are Fossil Fuels and How Do They Contribute to the Climate Crisis?
Fossil fuels, which include coal, oil, and natural gas, are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that were buried and subjected to intense heat and pressure over millions of years. These energy sources have powered industrial growth and modern development for over a century, driving economic expansion and technological advancement.
However, the extensive use of fossil fuels has come at a significant cost to the environment and the planet’s climate.
When fossil fuels are burned to produce energy, they release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, creating a “greenhouse effect” that leads to global warming.
The increase in global temperatures disrupts weather patterns, causing more frequent and severe natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts. This warming also leads to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, contributing to rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities worldwide.
Moreover, the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels pose additional environmental hazards. Oil spills, coal mining, and natural gas leaks can contaminate water supplies, destroy ecosystems, and harm wildlife. Air pollution from burning fossil fuels is another major concern, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in humans and affecting the health of countless species.
The reliance on fossil fuels is the primary driver of the current climate crisis, accounting for nearly 90% of global carbon emissions. To mitigate the impacts of climate change, there is an urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower.
This transition is essential not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
BY TEMWA MHONE
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