The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Climate Justice was issued ahead of COP31 and the Santa Marta Conference, highlighting the urgent need for climate justice and accelerated climate action in the Global South. The declaration was adopted by civil society organisations, environmental activists, and climate experts from South and Southeast Asia.
The declaration emerged against the backdrop of rising geopolitical conflicts, energy insecurity, and continued dependence on fossil fuels. It argues that developing countries are disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
Key Demands of the Declaration
- Fossil Fuel Phase-Out
The declaration calls for a clear and time-bound global roadmap to phase out coal, oil, and gas in an equitable manner.
It stresses that developed nations, being historically responsible for higher emissions, should take the lead in reducing fossil fuel dependence while supporting developing economies in transition.
- Climate Finance
A major demand is enhanced climate financing for developing countries.
- Estimated requirement: $5.1–6.8 trillion by 2030
- Long-term demand: $5 trillion annually
The declaration argues that climate finance should be:
- Adequate,
- Predictable,
- Grant-based rather than debt-driven.
- Fossil Fuel Treaty
The declaration advocates a legally binding global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to complement the Paris Agreement.
The proposed treaty seeks to:
- Halt new fossil fuel expansion,
- Gradually phase out existing production,
- Ensure a fair transition toward renewable energy.
- Just Transition
The declaration promotes a people-centric “just transition” framework. It emphasises protecting:
- Workers dependent on fossil fuel industries,
- Indigenous communities,
- Women and youth,
- Climate-vulnerable populations.
The focus is on balancing environmental sustainability with social justice and livelihood security.
- Adaptation and Loss & Damage
The declaration calls for:
- Tripling adaptation finance,
- Strengthening the Loss and Damage Fund for climate-hit nations.
Developing countries argue that they require greater support to tackle extreme weather events, sea-level rise, droughts, and displacement.
Conference of the Parties (COP)
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP meetings are annual global climate summits where countries negotiate measures related to emissions reduction, adaptation, and climate finance.
COP31 is scheduled to be held in Antalya in November 2026.
Significance
The Kuala Lumpur Declaration reflects the growing assertion of the Global South in climate negotiations. It highlights the need for climate equity, financial responsibility of developed countries, and a faster transition away from fossil fuels while safeguarding developmental priorities.