Why a Fossil Fuel Treaty Is Essential to End the Climate Crisis

Here in Portland, Oregon, where the Willamette River meets the Columbia and the scent of rain-soaked Douglas firs mingles with the hum of MAX light rail, we’re no strangers to the tension between progress and preservation. But this week, as world leaders gather in Santa Marta, Colombia, for the first-ever global conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, the stakes of that tension have never been clearer—or closer to home. The air quality alerts that now routinely blanket the Pacific Northwest each summer aren’t just a nuisance. they’re a warning. And the proposed Jordan Cove LNG terminal, which would have turned Coos Bay into a major export hub for fracked gas, wasn’t just a local zoning dispute—it was a microcosm of the global fossil fuel industry’s last-gasp efforts to lock in decades of pollution. What’s happening in Colombia this week isn’t just about distant oil fields or abstract climate targets. It’s about whether Portland—and cities like it—can break free from an economic model that’s poisoning our air, destabilizing our weather, and violating the rights of the most vulnerable among us.

The science is unequivocal: 69% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy sector, and the vast majority of that is tied to the production and burning of coal, oil, and gas. Here in Oregon, where wildfires now burn twice as much land as they did in the 1990s and where the 2020 Labor Day fires displaced thousands, the connection between fossil fuels and human suffering isn’t theoretical. It’s personal. The UN’s 2024 emissions data makes it clear: we’re warming faster than at any point in recorded history, and the window to avoid catastrophic climate change is slamming shut. Yet even as the evidence mounts, the fossil fuel industry is doubling down. In 2025 alone, oil and gas companies spent $124 million lobbying the U.S. Government—a figure that doesn’t even account for the millions more funneled into dark-money groups or the revolving door between regulatory agencies and the industry itself. For Portlanders, this isn’t just a Washington, D.C., problem. It’s a local one. The Port of Portland, a key economic engine for the region, still handles millions of tons of fossil fuel-related cargo each year, from petroleum products to coal. And while the city has made strides in renewable energy—think of the Oregon Clean Energy Center in Boardman, which transitioned from coal to solar—it’s clear that piecemeal efforts won’t be enough. We need a systemic shift, and that’s exactly what the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative is proposing.

Why a Fossil Fuel Treaty Matters for Portland

The treaty isn’t just another international agreement. It’s a binding legal instrument designed to do what the Paris Agreement couldn’t: tackle the supply side of the climate crisis. The Paris Agreement set targets for reducing emissions, but it didn’t address the root cause—fossil fuel extraction. Global leaders have continued to approve new oil, gas, and coal projects, putting us on track to blow past the 1.5°C warming limit. For Portland, where the 2021 heat dome killed nearly 100 people and where the Bull Run Watershed—the city’s primary water source—is increasingly threatened by drought, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The treaty’s three pillars—Non-Proliferation, Just Transition, and Equitable Phase-Out—offer a roadmap for how cities like ours can break free from fossil fuels without leaving workers or communities behind.

Accept the Non-Proliferation pillar. Right now, there are no global rules curbing the expansion of fossil fuel production. That’s why, even as Oregon has banned fracking and passed ambitious climate laws, projects like the Kalama methanol plant—which would have been one of the largest in the world—can still be proposed. The treaty would create the legal framework to stop these kinds of projects in their tracks, ensuring that no new fossil fuel infrastructure is built. For Portland, that means no more fights over pipelines or export terminals. It means protecting the Columbia River Gorge, a national scenic area that’s already under threat from climate change, from further industrialization.

Then there’s the Just Transition pillar. The treaty recognizes that the shift away from fossil fuels can’t leave workers or communities behind. In Oregon, where the Boardman Coal Plant was the state’s last remaining coal-fired power station before it closed in 2020, the transition is already underway. But it hasn’t been easy. Hundreds of workers lost their jobs, and the surrounding community of Morrow County—one of the poorest in the state—has struggled to replace the lost tax revenue. The treaty would ensure that wealthy countries like the U.S. Provide the funding and support needed to retrain workers, invest in renewable energy, and protect communities from economic shocks. For Portland, that could mean federal dollars to expand programs like Worksystems Inc., which helps displaced workers transition into green jobs, or to fund community solar projects in low-income neighborhoods like Lents or Rockwood.

Finally, the Equitable Phase-Out pillar ensures that the transition is fair. Wealthy countries, which have historically contributed the most to climate change, would take the lead in phasing out fossil fuels and provide financial support to lower-income countries. For Portland, this is about more than just climate justice—it’s about economic justice. The city’s 2015 Climate Action Plan set ambitious goals for reducing emissions, but progress has been uneven. Wealthier neighborhoods like Pearl District and Alameda have seen significant investments in energy efficiency and public transit, while lower-income areas like East Portland have been left behind. The treaty would aid level the playing field, ensuring that the benefits of the transition—cleaner air, lower energy bills, and new job opportunities—are shared equitably.

The Barriers—and How Portland Can Overcome Them

Of course, the path to a fossil fuel-free future isn’t without obstacles. The treaty faces significant barriers, many of which hit close to home for Portlanders:

• No rules curbing fossil fuel extraction: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement set emission goals but didn’t address fossil fuel production. That’s why, even as Oregon has passed laws like the Clean Fuels Program, the state still imports millions of barrels of oil each year. The treaty would change that by creating binding limits on extraction.
• Debt traps and financial barriers: Many lower-income countries are trapped in debt cycles that force them to rely on fossil fuel production. For Portland, this might seem distant, but it’s not. The city’s Portland Clean Energy Fund, which invests in renewable energy and green jobs, is a model for how public finance can drive the transition. But it’s not enough. The treaty would push wealthy countries to provide the funding needed to scale up these kinds of programs.
• Private finance and profit motives: High-income countries have shirked their responsibility to fund climate action, instead relying on private finance. This often pushes countries deeper into debt and limits their ability to fund essential services. For Portland, In other words that initiatives like the Portland Housing Bureau’s efforts to retrofit affordable housing with solar panels are often underfunded. The treaty would ensure that public dollars—rather than private investors—drive the transition.
• Trade agreements that favor fossil fuel interests: States that try to curb fossil fuel projects often face lawsuits from corporations under trade agreements. This is a real threat for Oregon, where the Jordan Cove LNG terminal was blocked in part due to legal challenges. The treaty would create a legal framework to protect states from these kinds of lawsuits.
• Rights under pressure: Environmental defenders face intimidation, violence, and restrictive laws. In Oregon, activists fighting projects like the Tesoro Savage oil terminal in Vancouver, WA, have faced harassment and legal threats. The treaty would strengthen protections for these defenders, ensuring that communities have a voice in the transition.

What’s Happening in Santa Marta—and Why It Matters for Portland

This week’s conference in Santa Marta is a historic opportunity to build momentum for the Fossil Fuel Treaty. Co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, the conference is bringing together governments, academics, private sector leaders, and civil society to hash out a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. For Portland, this is a chance to learn from other cities and countries that are leading the way. The Netherlands, for example, has committed to phasing out all fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 and is investing heavily in offshore wind. Colombia, despite being a major oil and coal producer, has pledged to end new fossil fuel exploration and transition to renewable energy. These aren’t just lofty goals—they’re real policies that are already making a difference.

The conference is also a chance to amplify the voices of frontline communities. The parallel People’s Summit for a Fossil Free Future is bringing together Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant communities, trade unions, and youth activists to demand a transition rooted in justice and equity. For Portland, where communities of color are disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change, this is a reminder that the transition must be inclusive. The Portland Clean Energy Fund, for example, was created in part by a coalition of environmental justice groups, including OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon and NAACP Portland. Their operate shows that when communities lead, the transition is more equitable and effective.

How Portlanders Can Get Involved

The Fossil Fuel Treaty isn’t just a global issue—it’s a local one. Here’s how Portlanders can take action:

• Call on your representatives: Urge Oregon’s congressional delegation, including Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Earl Blumenauer, to endorse the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative. Merkley, a longtime climate champion, has already co-sponsored the Green New Deal and could be a key ally in pushing for the treaty.
• Support debt relief and public finance: Advocate for federal funding to support just transitions in Oregon and beyond. The Portland Clean Energy Fund is a great start, but it needs more resources to scale up. Push for policies that prioritize public dollars over private finance.
• Protect environmental defenders: Stand with local activists who are fighting fossil fuel projects. Groups like Columbia Riverkeeper and Sunrise PDX are on the frontlines of these battles, and they need public support to keep up the pressure.
• Demand a just transition for workers: Support programs that help fossil fuel workers transition into green jobs. The Oregon Tradeswomen program, for example, trains women and people of color for careers in construction and renewable energy. Advocate for more funding for these kinds of initiatives.
• Push for renewable energy access: Demand that renewable energy is accessible to all Portlanders, not just the wealthy. The Community Energy Project provides free energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households, but more needs to be done to ensure that everyone can benefit from the transition.

Given My Background in Climate Justice, Here’s Who You Need in Portland

If you’re a Portlander looking to get involved in the transition away from fossil fuels, you don’t have to go it alone. Here are three types of local professionals who can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead:

Environmental and Climate Policy Attorneys

These are the legal experts who understand the intersection of climate policy, human rights, and corporate accountability. In Portland, you’ll want to look for attorneys with experience in:

• Environmental law: They should be well-versed in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Air Act, and Oregon’s Climate Protection Program. Bonus points if they’ve worked on cases involving fossil fuel infrastructure, like the Jordan Cove LNG terminal or the Tesoro Savage oil terminal.
• Human rights law: The Fossil Fuel Treaty is rooted in human rights principles, so you’ll want an attorney who understands how to frame climate issues in terms of rights violations. Look for experience with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights or the UN Human Rights Council.
• Corporate accountability: Many fossil fuel companies have used legal loopholes to avoid responsibility for their actions. An attorney with experience in corporate accountability can help hold these companies accountable, whether through litigation or advocacy.

When hiring, ask for examples of their work on climate-related cases and their familiarity with the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative. You’ll also want to ensure they’re connected to local advocacy groups, like Breach Collective or 350PDX, which are leading the charge on these issues in Portland.

Sustainable Energy and Green Infrastructure Consultants

These professionals help businesses, governments, and households transition to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. In Portland, where the 2030 Challenge aims to craft all new buildings carbon-neutral by 2030, their expertise is in high demand. Here’s what to look for:

• Renewable energy expertise: They should have experience with solar, wind, and geothermal energy, as well as battery storage and microgrids. Portland’s Solarize Portland program is a great example of how community solar projects can drive adoption, so look for consultants who’ve worked on similar initiatives.
• Green building certifications: Familiarity with LEED, Passive House, and Living Building Challenge standards is a must. The Bullitt Center, a Living Building in Seattle, is a model for what’s possible, and Portland has its own examples, like the PAE Living Building.
• Policy and incentives: They should be up-to-date on local, state, and federal incentives for renewable energy, like Oregon’s Residential Energy Tax Credit or the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit. They should also understand how to navigate zoning and permitting processes, which can be a major barrier to renewable energy projects.

When hiring, ask about their experience with community-led energy projects and their approach to equity. The transition to renewable energy must be inclusive, so you’ll want a consultant who prioritizes affordability and accessibility.

Community Organizers and Environmental Justice Advocates

The transition away from fossil fuels won’t happen without grassroots pressure. Community organizers and environmental justice advocates are the ones building the movements that push for change. In Portland, where environmental justice is a growing priority, these professionals are essential. Here’s what to look for:

• Local connections: They should be deeply embedded in Portland’s environmental justice community, with relationships to groups like OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon, NAACP Portland, and Unite Oregon. These organizations are leading the fight for equitable climate policies, and any organizer you work with should be aligned with their goals.
• Campaign experience: Look for experience running successful campaigns, whether it’s stopping a fossil fuel project, passing a local climate policy, or securing funding for green jobs. The Portland Clean Energy Fund is a great example of what can be achieved with strong community organizing.
• Intersectional approach: Climate change doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it intersects with issues like housing, transportation, and racial justice. The best organizers understand these connections and can build coalitions across movements. Ask about their experience working with groups like Portland Tenants United or Street Roots, which are fighting for housing justice in the city.

When hiring, ask about their approach to leadership development and their track record of centering marginalized voices. The transition to a fossil fuel-free future must be led by the communities most affected by climate change, and you’ll want an organizer who can help make that happen.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated environmental and climate policy experts in the Portland area today.