The GYG Green Blog is a knowledge sharing platform initiated and contributed by our members from around the world. The first post is by Jung Lin (Joanna), a member in the climate WG, who presented the topic of campaign against fossil fuel finance in the knowledge exchange session. Below is a summary of the input and the following discussion among the WG members.
By Jung Lin, 22 May 2025
Why are we still financing fossil fuels?
According to the IEA scenarios (see figure 1), the current policies around the world are moving far off from the path of net zero world in 2050. If the net zero goal is taken seriously at all, all the advanced economies should reach net-zero in the electricity mix by 2035, for the rest of the world by 2040. This also suggests that no new oil, new coal mines and nor natural gas fields should be developed in 2021. However, many countries have ignored this scientific facts. Even after the Paris agreement, the global coal capacity keeps increasing, which will add 579 GW worldwide by 2030 if all the planned projects are realized (Urgewald, 2024).
A considerable amounts of subsidies and investments are still pouring into fossil fuels till this date. According to Urgewald (2024), there has been only 20% drop in private bank investments in coal industries since 2015. The total subsidies from governments in fossil fuels has raised continuously (see figure 2). Though we need much more fundings for social securities, renewable energy, childcares and other sustainable infrastructure, we see much of the resources going to fossil fuels and contributing to the even more disastrous future for the youth and the global South.
What could civil society do about this?
Traditionally, many movements against fossil fuels focus on blocking the projects or facilities, or advocating for policy and regulation changes. Some campaigns however, turned their focus on the money flows into them and pressure the financial institutions to divest in fossil fuels.
One example was StopMozGas movement, which is a coalition of environmental justice organizations from Mozambique and around the world, united in opposition to the multinational-led gas industry operating in Mozambique. The movement contends that gas extraction projects are causing irreversible environmental devastation and disrupting local communities. Their campaign, “Say No to Gas!”, aims to halt these gas projects and promote sustainable alternatives. The coalition has organized a variety of protests locally but also towards the gas companies and the finance institutions behind it.
Discussion
Following the presentation, our members engaged in a powerful discussion reflecting on their experiences in global climate spaces—particularly around issues of equity, representation, and the ongoing reproduction of colonial power dynamics.
Several members shared insights from participating in international forums like the COP (Conference of the Parties) summits. While these gatherings are framed as inclusive, too often they reinforce the same global hierarchies we’re trying to dismantle. Many pointed to instances of white saviorism, where narratives are dominated by Global North actors, and people from frontline communities are sidelined or instrumentalized.
There was a strong call for the Global North to do more than include—it must share. Share the stage. Share resources. Share decision-making power. True climate justice can only happen when those most affected by the crisis have the platform and the means to lead.
Frustration with government participation was another recurring theme. Despite their presence at COPs and similar events, many governments remain reluctant to embrace meaningful change. Their involvement is often self-serving—using the stage to signal progress without altering the status quo. Intergovernmental institutions tend to take apolitical stances that dilute urgency and accountability.
The discussion also touched on the issue of youth representation. While many countries mention youth in their NDCs, in reality, participation is often superficial—youth are only present on paper. Progressive narratives around gender, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate are often used performatively, with governments promoting token representatives from favored “NGO”s while silencing critical, grassroots voices.
In light of these reflections, members suggested the work of GYG should recognize the need to recalibrate our efforts and solidarity. We must deepen our collaboration with initiatives from the Global South—not just inviting them in, but centering their leadership. This involves resourcing youth-led movements, creating more space for critical perspectives, and dismantling performative practices.
At the same time, GYG should continue to engage in global political arenas. These spaces, while imperfect, remain critical battlegrounds for holding systems accountable and pushing for structural change.
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