NEW YORK — A campaign aimed at passing a global treaty to end the use of fossil fuels named a popular activist as its president, creating what its supporters hope is increased momentum behind the ambitious effort.
Kumi Naidoo is a heavy hitter in the global activist community, as a former secretary general of Amnesty International and the international executive director of Greenpeace.
The initiative for a so-called Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is seeking international support for a legally binding agreement that would end the exploration and use of oil, gas and coal. So far, it is backed by 14 governments, mostly small island nations and Colombia — a country whose economy remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
Naidoo said in an interview that he views the treaty as a solution to the failure of global climate talks to phase out fossil fuels. The proposed treaty has earned the backing of hundreds of lawmakers, cities and regions, including Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.). The city of Philadelphia and the state of California are also supporters.
