Oil and gas companies are using an outdated global treaty to block our transition to a fair and sustainable energy system. But countries are starting to pull out of the treaty and if we ramp up pressure right now the UK could vote to withdraw.
The treaty protects fossil fuel investments by giving foreign investors sweeping powers to sue countries over climate action -- and the compensation our governments have to pay out can be in the billions! The UK alone could be liable for £12 billion on the path to net zero carbon emissions.
Many countries in Europe including Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain and Italy have announced they intend to quit the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), and there is mounting pressure for the UK to do the same.
Our pressure can make a difference. Will you sign the urgent petition to Rishi Sunak and the UK government asking them to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty?
This is a petition in collaboration with WarOnWant, Friends of the Earth UK and Global Justice Now
To Rishi Sunak and the UK Government:
Exit the Energy Charter Treaty today and stop its expansion to other countries. The treaty allows coal, oil and gas corporations to obstruct the transition to net zero. Urgent climate action cannot be made slower or more expensive by fossil fuel firms.