Glasgow City Council joins global coalition calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation treaty
Date: 21 November 2024
Campaigns: Climate
Glasgow City Council has voted to endorse a global treaty that would map a much-needed path to a fast, fair and funded end to fossil fuels.
The council joins a growing global coalition of councils, organisations, parliamentarians and countries calling for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The motion means that the council formally endorses the goals and vision of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty which are:
- A global just transition: for every country, worker and community, including through support to transition away from fossil fuel dependence, scaling up access to renewable energy, and allowing for economic diversification for fossil-free development pathways.
- Non-proliferation of fossil fuels: Preventing the proliferation of coal, oil and gas by ending all new exploration and production.
- A fair phase out: in line with the 1.5°C global climate goal, in a manner that is fair and equitable, where wealthy nations with the capacity and historical responsibility for emissions transition fastest.
This comes as last week, campaigners from 15 climate groups across Scotland including Global Justice Now Scotland protested outside of the Scottish Parliament to call for the Scottish Government to add its voice to the calls for the Fossil Fuel Treaty. MSPs from across political parties including Maggie Chapman, Monica Lennon, Patrick Harvie, Lorna Slater and Joe Fitzpatrick came out in support of the demonstration.
Campaigners handed in an open letter to the First Minister – signed by figures including Scotland’s national poet Kathleen Jamie, 15 climate and faith organisations and nearly 3000 members of the public – calling for the Scottish Government to back the treaty.
Earlier this month, North Ayrshire Council passed a motion in support of the Fossil Fuel Treaty. Glasgow is the 15th council across the UK to endorse the treaty, and the third in Scotland following Edinburgh and North Ayrshire.
Liz Murray, head of Scottish campaigns at Global Justice Now said:
“Today, Glasgow can be proud that it has joined the 120 other cities across the world who are backing this transformative treaty called for by some of the most climate- vulnerable countries.
“Fossil fuels are the root cause of the climate crisis – we know we need to end their use, and we need a global exit plan to ensure the transition leaves no country, worker or community behind. From Glasgow to the world, we are building momentum to bring a fast, fair and funded end to the fossil fuel era – for good.”
Sam Bartlett, Chair of Parents for Future Scotland said:
“Parents for Future Scotland represents families across Glasgow calling for urgent action on air pollution, so we’re delighted that Glasgow is backing the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty.
“Glasgow has the highest pollution levels of any city in Scotland, and one person dies here every day from prolonged exposure to fossil-fuelled pollution.
“By cutting car use and creating citywide active travel networks and affordable, joined-up public transport, the council can translate backing the treaty into local action that will make the city cleaner, safer and healthier.”
Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell, chair of the Glasgow City Council Net Zero Committee, and Glasgow Greens’ Climate spokesperson, said:
“It’s important that as Glasgow City Council we continue to strengthen our solidarity with those globally who are most impacted by the burning of fossil fuels. Supporting the calls for a global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is an important way to do that, whilst pushing infrastructure changes within Glasgow that reduce our demand on fossil fuels.”
“The burning of fossil fuels continues to destroy the lives and homes of many communities globally. In Scotland we have a wealth of renewable resources and technologies that we should be harnessing at a faster pace, instead of opening new oil and gas fields. Hence, I hope the Scottish Government will seek to show leadership on this issue by also supporting the Treaty. The just transition requires that we create a pathway to transferring skills and jobs to these renewable industries, under new economic models, that don’t just line the pockets of the large oil and gas companies, who we know can’t be trusted with creating a livable future.”
