IUCN Declares Fossil Fuels a Threat to Nature, Calls for Global Phase-Out Treaty

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) adopted Resolution 042 during its World Conservation Conference, calling for the phase-out of coal, oil, and gas, as well as a halt to new mining and ensuring a just transition for affected workers.

What is Resolution 042?

Resolution 042 was passed by the IUCN (World Conservation Union).
It calls for a global phase-out of coal, oil, and gas to protect nature.
Demands an immediate moratorium on all new fossil fuel extraction and development projects.
Advocates for a just transition for affected workers and vulnerable communities around the world.
Urges the pursuit of a global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty for coordinated action.
Urgent reforms have support from indigenous groups, civil society, and organizations such as WWF and Wildlife International.

Relevance and Significance:

The IUCN has become the first multilateral body to officially recognize fossil fuel production as a threat to nature.
It marks a unified global call to address fossil fuels as the root cause of environmental degradation.
Strengthens efforts towards integrating climate and biodiversity goals, especially ahead of COP30.
The approach of environmental experts and IUCN is being seen as an important step for global conservation and climate justice.

About the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):

The International Union for Conservation of Nature is a membership association of governmental and non-governmental organizations worldwide.
With over 1,400 member organizations, IUCN is the international authority on the state of the natural world.
It is a global authority for the conservation of the world’s natural state, established in the year 1948.
Its headquarters is located in Gland, Switzerland.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species was established in 1964 and is the world’s most comprehensive list of the global conservation status of plant and animal species.
Its members include states, non-governmental organizations, indigenous peoples’ organizations, experts, government agencies, etc.
The United Nations granted IUCN official observer status in 1992 due to growing environmental concerns.
IUCN organizes the IUCN World Conservation Union Summit every four years.