Glasgow City Council backs 'anti-oil' treaty to end global fossil fuel use

Glasgow council is backing an anti oil treaty aiming to phase out the use of fossil fuels and support a switch to renewable energy.

Yesterday councillors in the city chambers agreed to endorse the International Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The local authority joins other councils, organisations and cities calling for the treaty around the world, which aims for a transition away from dependence on coal, gas and oil and scaled up access to renewable energy. It's goals include an end to the new exploration and production of fossil fuels as well as an ambition to phase them out completely in a fair and equitable manner.

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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 council's convenor for climate, councillor Angus Millar, SNP, said: "While Glasgow is obviously continuing to progress a wide range of city level actions to meet net zero we have also consistently used our position to advocate both within Scotland and the UK and internationally for global climate action including at COP 26 and during subsequent international summits."

Councillors agreed to endorse the treaty at yesterday's city administration committee.

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."

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