Youth Leader at Ramsar COP15 Links Wetland Protection to Fossil Fuel Phase-Out

By Evans Jona

VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe – A youth delegate at the ongoing Ramsar COP15 has called for global action to phase out fossil fuels as a critical step toward protecting wetland ecosystems and achieving climate justice.

Speaking during a youth side session at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), Tinashe Muzama, Programs Officer for the Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA), said continued fossil fuel production undermines global climate targets and threatens the survival of wetlands.

“Wetlands are frontline ecosystems in the climate crisis. They regulate our climate, store carbon, support biodiversity and protect communities from floods and droughts. Yet they are under direct threat from fossil fuel-driven climate change,” said Muzama.

He said the youth must play a leading role in calling for the implementation of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, a growing global initiative seeking to end new fossil fuel developments, phase out existing production, and support a just transition for affected communities.

“As youth, we must seize the COP15 momentum to raise our voices for a Fossil Fuel Treaty. Without tackling fossil fuel production, we risk blowing past the 1.5-degree target. It is unfair to talk about climate solutions while ignoring the root cause,” Muzama said.

Muzama noted that MAYA joined the global call for a treaty on August 12, 2023, aligning with over 100 cities and sub-national governments who have endorsed the initiative. He said momentum for the treaty has continued to grow in recent months, with support from over 101 Nobel laureates including the Dalai Lama, more than 3,000 scientists and academics, and 525 parliamentarians from over 70 countries.

“People on every continent are calling for this treaty. Cities like Lima, Vancouver, Barcelona, Sydney, and Los Angeles are on board. The time to act is now,” he said.

Muzama highlighted the three core pillars of the proposed treaty: stopping new fossil fuel exploration, fairly phasing out current production, and ensuring a just transition that protects workers and communities. He said these measures are key to protecting wetlands and other ecosystems that are vulnerable to rising global temperatures.

“The latest reports from the International Energy Agency (IEA), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are clear. We need a managed and equitable transition away from fossil fuels. Wetland conservation efforts will be meaningless if we do not confront fossil fuel production head-on,” he said.

The Ramsar COP15, which runs from July 23 to 31 in Victoria Falls, has brought together parties to the convention, civil society organisations, and youth delegates to discuss the future of wetlands under the increasing threat of climate change.

Muzama concluded with a rallying call: “Now is the time for youth to unite and lead this global movement for environmental justice. We owe it to our communities, our ecosystems, and future generations.”