Naidoo will take on a new role in the fight against fossil fuels as the world moves towards limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees Celsius. (Photo provided)
Prominent South African climate activist Kumi Naidu has been appointed chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. The announcement was made earlier this week amid a growing global movement to phase out fossil fuels.
The initiative is in line with the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global warming below 1.5°C and aims to end the development of new fossil fuel projects and accelerate a just transition to clean energy. There is.
Naidoo's appointment signals a renewed focus on justice for marginalized communities, particularly in the Global South, which are disproportionately affected by climate change and fossil fuel extraction.
“Throughout my life, I have sought justice for those marginalized by unjust political, economic and energy systems, particularly in the Global South. This is a movement that demands this,” Naidu said in a statement.
He added that the treaty's focus on international cooperation is critical to ensuring that countries and communities in the South are not left behind in the global energy transition.
Naidoo's work dates back to the apartheid era in South Africa, where he played a central role in community mobilization and civil disobedience.
His extensive experience includes leadership positions with organizations working to address social and environmental injustice, including Greenpeace International, Amnesty International, and CIVICUS.
“There are enough solutions for the world to move away from oil, gas and coal,” Naidu said, “but it requires countries to stop expanding these harmful projects and provide clean, safe and fair energy.” We need to shift our focus to the source.” We need bold ideas, and this treaty is one of the biggest new ideas, especially as the power and deception of the fossil fuel industry is finally being exposed. ”
Naidoo's appointment was praised by the initiative's steering committee, which underlines the urgency of his leadership as the world faces increasing pressure to phase out fossil fuels. .
Mohamed Addou, Founder and Director of Power Shift Africa, emphasized the need for decisive action: “Africa, and the world, is on fire, both literally and figuratively. Kumi Naidoo's election as president brings further inspiration to our movement at a time when weak leadership is no longer an option.”
Tasneem Essop, executive director of the Climate Action Network, drew parallels between Naidu's role in the anti-apartheid movement and the current fight against fossil fuels.
“Kumi’s leadership will help build the people-powered movement we need to secure our future,” Essop said.
“In this historic struggle, we succeeded against the odds, and we must now believe that we can do the same in combating the existential threat of fossil fuels. ”
