The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: Why Climate Policy Must Tackle Supply, Not Just Demand

Climate Confident

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Most climate policies focus on cutting emissions. But what if the real issue is what’s being left off the table, fossil fuel production itself?

In this week’s episode of Climate Confident, I speak with Tzeporah Berman, Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, about why global climate goals are doomed if we keep expanding fossil fuel supply while trying to cut demand.

Tzeporah explains how the Paris Agreement never once mentions the words “oil,” “gas,” or “coal”, despite 86% of emissions coming directly from them. She lays out the case for a global treaty to phase out fossil fuel production, how countries like Colombia are already stepping up, and why we need a just transition framework that includes debt relief and international cooperation.

We discuss:

• Why fossil fuel expansion continues despite climate pledges
• The $7 trillion in annual subsidies distorting energy markets
• The role of Global South nations and equity in the energy transition
• How “net zero” has been weaponised as a delay tactic
• And why renewables alone won’t solve the crisis unless we stop digging the hole deeper

This is a frank look at what it really takes to deliver on climate targets, and why we can’t keep ignoring the supply side of the problem.

🔗 Learn more at fossilfueltreaty.org

🎧 Listen and subscribe at climateconfidentpodcast.com

#climatepolicy #fossilfuels #justtransition #energytransition #climateconfident #carbonemissions #netzero #sustainability #supplysideclimatepolicy

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Credits
Music credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper

Chapters

1. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: Why Climate Policy Must Tackle Supply, Not Just Demand (00:00:00)

2. [Ad] Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson (00:31:04)

3. (Cont.) The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: Why Climate Policy Must Tackle Supply, Not Just Demand (00:31:43)

4. (Cont.) The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: Why Climate Policy Must Tackle Supply, Not Just Demand (00:31:43)