GLASGOW City Council has voted to endorse a global treaty calling for a just transition away from fossil fuels.
The city has joined 120 others across the world backing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
It means the council has formally endorsed the treaty’s vision for 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.
The treaty also calls for an end to the proliferation of coal, oil and gas and for a “fair phase out”, where wealthy nations with the capacity and historical responsibility for emissions transition fastest.
Councillors have also agreed to write to the Scottish Government calling for it to endorse the treaty as part of its commitment to phasing out fossil fuels internationally.
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Last week, campaigners from 15 climate groups across Scotland including Global Justice Now Scotland protested outside the Scottish Parliament to call for the Government to add its voice to the calls for the 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.
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.”
Earlier this month, North Ayrshire Council also passed a motion in support of the Fossil Fuel Treaty.
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Glasgow is the 15th council across the UK to endorse the treaty, and the third in Scotland following Edinburgh and North Ayrshire.
Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell, chair of the Glasgow City Council Net Zero Committee, 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.”
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