Lilongwe has become the first African capital to endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, joining Mzuzu as the two Malawian cities supporting this proposal. The proposal affirmed during the COP28 through the treaty by global leaders is aimed at aiding a seamless just transition that will prioritize green energy over the use of fossil fuels.
The Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, a proposed legal mechanism, seeks to end the expansion of fossil fuels, facilitate a fair phase-out led by wealthier countries, and promote the transfer of finance and technology for an equitable energy transition.
As the Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group, Malawi’s capital city plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable are prioritized in the global shift towards renewable energy.
According to Mrs. Ruth Chingwalu, Deputy Mayor of Lilongwe City Council, the move is a clear indication of a commitment to making the city a fossil-free zone. She further highlighted the devastating effects of climate change driven by fossil fuels, they emphasized the urgency of international cooperation and immediate action.
The move is impactful as it sets Malawi on the trajectory of embracing more renewable energy sources that include solar power, wind energy generation, geothermal, and hydro energy.
Together, Lilongwe and Mzuzu, with a combined population of over 1.2 million, have joined more than 110 cities and subnational governments worldwide in demanding an equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
Seble Samuel, Head of Africa Campaigns & Advocacy, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative pointed out an abundance of renewable energy potential in Africa.
Lauding Lilongwe and Mzuzu’s call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty, Seble stressed the need for the call to resonate across the continent for the achievement of energy sovereignty and climate justice.
The equitability dilemma when it comes to the just transition is pegged on the availability of funding and resources that can ensure the effective adoption of these clean energy generation practices.
Malawi’s endorsement of this initiative is significant given the country’s high climate vulnerability, as evidenced by over 19 major floods and 7 droughts in the last five decades.
Steven Derreck Chisendenji, an Environmental Activist from Malawi expressed concerns over the environmental debt from fossil fuels that haven’t been paid yet urging for quick delivery.
These disasters, exacerbated by climate change that is attributed to global fossil fuel expansion, disproportionately affect frontline communities, especially in Lilongwe where 76% of residents live in informal settlements.
“As our communities face escalating climate impacts, global action is needed to halt fossil fuel expansion and build a sustainable future on renewables. We hope the endorsements by Lilongwe and Mzuzu will inspire other cities and nations to support the treaty,” said Chisendenji.
Despite the continents, and the majority of least developed countries’ minimal contribution to global emissions, these cities are taking a leadership role by endorsing the treaty, sending a strong message to other cities and nations.
Cities and subnational governments can significantly advance global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels by engaging with national governments and implementing local initiatives.
To date, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty has been endorsed by 13 nation-states, over 110 cities and subnational governments, 2,500 civil society organizations, more than 3,000 scientists and academics, 101 Nobel Laureates, and at least 600 parliamentarians worldwide.
Kondani Nyasulu, Mayor of Mzuzu City Council emphasized that to meet the Malawi 2023 agenda and achieve the necessary economic and social transformation, our City Councils must adopt a more ambitious approach to tackling climate change. In addition revealed that the Mzuzu City Council endorses the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to phase out the extraction of coal, oil, and gas, and reduce plastic production.
