The Fossil Fuel Phase Out and Climate Futures conference builds on the expanding climate science and growing policy momentum toward the need for global fossil fuel phase out. The COP26 Glasgow climate pact called for “accelerat[ing] efforts towards the phasedown of unabated coal power and phase out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies”, and climate policy advocates around the world are focusing on how to phase out fossil fuels. Not only is there a growing belief among governments that action needs to be taken to reduce fossil fuel usage, but there is also growing recognition of the need to restrict fossil fuel supply.

Despite the limited attention to fossil fuel phase out in the UN climate negotiation process, there is growing support for phasing out fossil fuels, with many nations building international agreements outside the UN negotiation process. It is increasingly clear, however, that to reduce human suffering and ecological destruction from the climate crisis, a rapid reduction in the exploration, extraction and burning of coal, oil, and gas is necessary; a global fossil fuel phase out is critically important.

The transition towards a more sustainable, equitable low-carbon future requires embracing climate justice principles that intertwine human rights and development with the adoption of a people-focused approach. Ensuring the protection of the rights of those who are most susceptible to harm, and distributing the consequences and advantages of climate change are essential for a more stable and sustainable future.

This interactive one day event will include two keynote speakers:

– Jennie Stephens, Northeastern University, Dean’s Professor of Sustainability Science and Policy
– TBC, Climate science talk

And three panel discussions focusing on:

(1) Plastics, fossil fuels and food: Bhavani Shankar (Sheffield), James Kneller (Chair, Northeastern University London);
(2) international cooperation for global fossil fuel phase out: Peter Newell (Sussex), Caterina Gennaioli (Queen Mary, Uni London),  Fossil Fuel Nonproliferation Treaty [speaker name TBC], Diana Bozhilova (Chair, Northeastern University London);
(3) the potential for social innovation versus technological innovation: Shounak Set (King’s College London), Rupert Read (University of East Anglia), Leah Bamberger (Northeastern University), Clean Creatives [speaker name TBC], Hossein Dabbagh (Chair, Northeastern University London).