Boat Protests Demand Halt to Fossil Gas Expansion as COP29 Approaches

Fisherfolk rally against fossil gas expansion from Jamot Jetty in Karachi, urging world leaders to prioritize renewable energy and climate justice ahead of COP29.

Karachi, October 7, 2024: Hundreds of fisherfolk, both women and men, took part in a dramatic boat protest on Thursday, November 7, sailing from Jamot Jetty in Ibrahim Hydri as part of the “Global Days of Action Against Gas Expansion” in the lead-up to the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The boat protests, held in coastal regions of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines, were organized by the Asian People’s Movement for Debt and Development (APMDD). The demonstrations sought to send a strong message to world leaders attending COP29 regarding the dangers posed to communities and the planet by massive investments in fossil gas.

Saeed Baloch, General Secretary of Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, stated: “We from the Global South are united in making this call ahead of COP29. Continued investments in fossil gas endanger both people and the planet, which is in direct contradiction to the pledge made by governments at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels. World leaders must not ignore the undeniable health, environmental, and social impacts of fossil gas, and must honor their commitments to decarbonize, deliver climate finance, and invest in renewable energy that serves humanity.”

The protest, which featured small, artisanal fishing boats—a representation of the traditional livelihoods of the fishing communities—was set against the backdrop of large gas plants and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, highlighting the contrast between fossil fuel infrastructure and the future of renewable energy.

Baloch added: “It’s alarming that wealthy nations and large transnational banks continue to finance fossil gas expansion in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We reject the dependence on fossil fuels and demand real, accountable commitments from these powers to directly support the transition to renewable energy systems. Every dollar spent on fossil gas should instead be invested in solar and wind energy—renewables that can meet our energy needs without leading us into ecological collapse. Gas is not a bridge fuel; it is a future disaster.”

Qazi Khezer, Vice Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, also spoke out against fossil gas expansion, emphasizing the severe health risks posed to communities. “Fossil gas expansion is a grave health risk and an environmental threat,” Khezer said. “It causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in children and the elderly. Choosing gas is choosing a future where no one breathes clean air.”Fatima Majeed, Senior Vice Chairperson of Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, emphasized the global ramifications of continued fossil gas investments. “Fossil gas expansion in Asia undermines the global climate goals and makes it nearly impossible to achieve the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement. The people of Pakistan are already facing the deadly impacts of the climate crisis, including displacement and health risks. If this continues, future generations will bear an unbearable cost,” she warned.

Protesters held placards bearing messages such as “Don’t Gas Asia,” “End Fossil Fuels,” and “Gas Is Not a Transition Fuel—Shift Directly to RE,” advocating for the following demands:

A moratorium on new fossil fuel projects, including new public and private finance, approvals, licenses, permits, or extensions.

A rapid, just, and equitable phase-out of existing fossil fuel infrastructure in line with the 1.5°C temperature limit, and a global plan to ensure that each country contributes its fair share.

Increased international cooperation to scale up climate finance and technology transfers, ensuring renewable energy access and supporting Just Transition processes.

An end to greenwashing and false solutions like carbon offsets, CCS, or geoengineering.

Holding polluters accountable for the damage they have caused and ensuring that coal, oil, and gas corporations pay reparations for climate loss, damage, and local rehabilitation.

Ending corporate capture of climate action processes and preventing corporations from writing the rules of climate policy or undermining global climate efforts.