How to convince your local council to endorse the Fossil Fuel Treaty

Type: How to guides
Date: 22 January 2024
Campaigns: Climate

The global call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is gaining momentum across the world, but a rising tide of support is needed to make negotiations for such a treaty a reality. The support of local councils, from those in cities to rural areas, is a vital ingredient in making the popular demand for the Fossil Fuel Treaty visible. This guide aims to help you get your local council to throw its weight behind the treaty.

Additional resources to help with your campaign:

• Template letter to write to your local councillors about the Fossil Fuel Treaty
• Briefing for councillors
• Draft motion for your council
• Tricky questions answered
• Local press release template

Edinburgh Green Councillor Ben Parker delivered a zoom teach-in to our Scottish groups about how to lobby your local council to put down a motion on the fossil fuel treaty. The Green group in Edinburgh city council were the first in Scotland to succeed in getting their council to endorse the Treaty, so are a good example to follow. Below is an edited version of the teach-in (30 mins) which will give you some useful pointers on how to get started on lobbying your council.