Health Voices Unite for a Global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Plan
More than a thousand industry professionals and two hundred healthcare organizations worldwide have urged governments to craft and adopt an enforceable global strategy. The aim is to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and protect people’s health everywhere. This approach mirrors the spirit of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which helped begin the reduction of nuclear arsenals at the close of the century, but targets a different, equally critical health risk.
Prominent organizations including the World Health Organization, the International Association of Pediatrics, the World Medical Association, the Nurses Association for Healthy Environments, and the World Federation of Public Health Societies signed a letter calling for governments to establish a legally binding, global plan to phase out fossil fuel use.
“Dependence on fossil fuels is an act of self-sabotage”
The current reliance on fossil fuels goes beyond environmental impact. From a health standpoint, it limits progress and endangers lives. This view is echoed by the WHO Director-General, who stresses the stakes for populations and future generations.
Like the framework used to curb tobacco use, the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty would be a data‑driven international agreement targeting coal, oil, and gas. The health risks tied to burning these fuels are extensive and threaten people as well as the planet.
Various sectors, including cities and faith groups around the world, have backed the idea. The letter originates from the Global Alliance for Climate and Health and Doctors for Social Responsibility, with support from climate and health networks that span civil society and public health communities.
“Advancing rapid progress toward net-zero emissions is essential for protecting health in the face of climate change. The Fossil Fuels Nonproliferation Treaty could accelerate climate action that benefits human health,” remarked a public health scholar from a leading London institution.
“We know emissions must be reduced to safe levels, and fossil fuels are a major driver,” noted a health leader, adding that expanding fossil fuel projects runs counter to a healthy climate and the broader goals of public health.
“The climate crisis and the risk of broader conflict are deeply linked. The climate crisis fuels tensions and heightens the risk of war, which would trigger sudden, severe climate disruption,” stated a former head of an international physicians’ group who has long advocated prevention of weapons threats and climate harms.
“It is clear why a global plan is needed: fossil fuels pose health risks at every stage—from mining and extraction to processing, transportation, and combustion for energy and mobility,” observed a climate and health leader, emphasizing a shift to cleaner energy sources for a healthier future.
“For decades we relied on fossil fuels for energy, but cleaner, sustainable options are available now. A healthier future is possible with responsible choices and collective action,” another public health advocate added.
Seven million deaths each year
Air pollution is responsible for millions of deaths annually, affecting a large share of the world’s population. Reducing fossil fuel use would yield immediate health benefits and contribute to long-term climate resilience by cutting exposure to toxic pollutants and related health risks.
To learn more about the full health-focused letter, see the cited source prepared by the initiative partners. The content is summarized here to reflect the core arguments and the global call to action.
Environmental health authorities and policy makers are urged to consider strategic steps toward a transition that protects health, supports clean energy adoption, and reduces harmful emissions across sectors including transportation, industry, and power generation.
Note: The communications above reflect a broad consensus among health and climate groups about the importance of reducing exposure to pollutants and advancing policies that support healthier communities in North America and beyond.
Sources and citations are organized by the participating organizations and collaboration networks that contributed to this collective position.