18th Jun 2024 Gemini 1.5 Pro
Tzeporah Berman argues that for 30 years, climate policy has focused solely on reducing demand for fossil fuels, neglecting the need to constrain supply. She criticizes market-based approaches, arguing they are ineffective and rigged by the fossil fuel industry. Berman points to the continued rise in global emissions and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events as evidence that current approaches are failing.
“For 30 years we've been talking about climate policy as though the only thing we need to do is to constrain emissions, to constrain pollution, that we need to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, we need to set emissions targets… And yet, while climate policy is complicated, what's not complicated is that The carbon trapped in our atmosphere that is smothering the earth today, that is causing the wildfires and the floods and the storms across this planet come from three products: oil, gas, and coal. And that's what we need to talk about."
Berman emphasizes that the climate crisis demands bold action and proposes the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty as a framework for global cooperation to phase out fossil fuel production. She draws parallels with successful treaties banning landmines, chemical weapons, and nuclear weapons, arguing they not only established regulations but also shifted social norms. Similarly, Berman believes a fossil fuel treaty can help dismantle the ingrained perception of fossil fuels as symbols of prosperity and replace it with the understanding that they are, in fact, detrimental to human health and the planet's well-being.
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty aims to address the production side of the climate equation through three key pillars:
End Expansion (Non-Proliferation): Secure commitments from governments worldwide to halt the expansion of oil, gas, and coal production.
Managed Wind Down: Establish agreements and regulations to manage a just and equitable phase-out of fossil fuel production, addressing the varying capacities and dependencies of different countries. This would involve mechanisms like debt forgiveness, climate debt swaps, and financial support to assist countries in transitioning away from fossil fuel dependence.
Just Transition: Facilitate a rapid and equitable shift towards renewable energy systems and a regenerative economy. This pillar emphasizes the need for international collaboration to establish rules and guidelines for a sustainable transition, including responsible mining practices, circular economy principles, and equitable distribution of benefits.
Berman argues that reforming the financial system is crucial in achieving a successful transition away from fossil fuels. She criticizes the current system where banks and financial institutions continue to invest in fossil fuel projects, often contradicting their stated environmental and social responsibility commitments.
“The IMF is reporting that Our governments gave the most profitable companies on earth $7 trillion last year. That fossil fuel subsidies increased last year, $13 million a minute now.”
Berman calls for greater transparency in financial dealings, urging institutions to divest from fossil fuel companies and redirect investments toward renewable energy and a just transition. She highlights the growing movement of divestment, citing examples of pension funds that would have seen greater returns had they divested from fossil fuels a decade ago. Berman advocates for a shift in investment priorities, urging a move away from extractive industries and towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Berman points to California as a leading example of a government taking proactive steps to address climate change and transition away from fossil fuels. She commends their efforts in implementing policies to reduce demand for fossil fuels, such as promoting renewable energy, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency measures.
Berman also highlights California's recognition of the need to constrain fossil fuel supply, citing their initiatives to ban fracking and limit oil and gas production. She praises their commitment to holding the fossil fuel industry accountable, referencing the recent lawsuit filed by Governor Newsom against oil companies for climate change damages.
“And then this week, Governor Newsom announced that California is also going to sue the oil companies with a massive multi-million dollar lawsuit for damages. I mean, that's one way to get the profits back. And it also signals, it sends a very strong signal to the world that they've picked a side."
Berman believes California's actions will inspire other governments to adopt similar measures and accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels.
Berman is adamant that the fossil fuel industry is a sunset industry, destined for inevitable decline as the world transitions to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. She sees the potential for some fossil fuel companies to transform themselves into energy companies focused on renewables, citing the example of Orsted (formerly Dong Energy), which successfully shifted from oil production to becoming a leading producer of wind farms.
Berman acknowledges that achieving a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels will be challenging. However, she emphasizes the importance of hope and collective action.
“Despair is not an option. I thought about it when I couldn't go outside with my kids because of the wildfire smoke in Canada and how despair is such a privilege in a lot of ways because there are a lot of people who don't have that option… Hope is our responsibility to create every day. We create it by picking up our pen or our petition or our placard.”
She encourages individuals to engage in activism, support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and work collectively to create a more sustainable and just future. Berman believes that through global cooperation, bold action, and a shared commitment to change, we can overcome the climate crisis and build a better world.
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