Abolition’s Blueprint: Can We Dismantle Fossil Fuels Like We Abolished Slavery?

While powerful interests claim fossil fuels remain essential to modern life, the evidence tells a different story. Renewable technologies can already provide global energy access. Every region on Earth has enough renewable potential to meet its needs. The tech exists. The money exists. What’s lacking? Political backbone.

The truth? We don’t need fossil fuels anymore. We lack only the political courage to break free.

Fossil fuel companies aren’t going down without a fight. They’ve got their fingers in every pie—lobbying politicians, infiltrating climate conferences, and pocketing public funds meant for pandemic recovery. Talk about having your cake and eating it too.

Meanwhile, grassroots movements and legal warriors are pushing back, challenging these corporate behemoths in courtrooms and communities. The movement embraces a diversity of tactics that allows people with different skills and risk tolerances to participate effectively.

Money talks. And it’s starting to walk away from fossil fuels. The divestment movement keeps growing, with investors pulling billions from oil and gas stocks. Smart money sees the writing on the wall. Financial experts now recommend stress tests for fossil fuel companies—like making them prove they won’t collapse and leave taxpayers holding the bag.

Novel idea: maybe the polluters should pay for cleanup?

Legal battles are heating up faster than the planet. Regulatory frameworks requiring change plans are gaining traction. Some propose independent watchdog agencies to protect the public from energy sector harms. Turns out, laws can actually constrain corporate power. Who knew?

On the ground, people aren’t waiting for permission. Boycotts, blockades, shareholder actions—the resistance playbook is diverse and growing. From grandmothers chaining themselves to pipelines to tech-savvy youth running digital campaigns, everyone’s got a role.

Internationally, pressure builds. Global agreements push for phase-out timelines. International agencies release reports confirming what activists have said for years—we need to move faster. Initiatives like the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty are gaining momentum with cities like Vancouver endorsing the movement. With fossil fuels currently accounting for 75% of emissions, the urgency for global action has never been clearer.

The path forward must be just and equitable. Workers deserve protection. Communities deserve clean air and water. Energy must be accessible and affordable for all.

The fossil fuel abolition movement isn’t just about dismantling an industry—it’s about building something better. And contrary to industry propaganda, it’s entirely possible. Right now.