Glasgow City Council says its decision to endorse a global treaty looking for a fast, fair and funded end to fossil fuels highlights its commitment to achieving Net Zero.

The council voted in favour of joining a growing list of organisations, parliamentarians and countries calling for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The motion was voted through and means the council formally endorses the goals and visions of the treaty which include every country, worker and community scaling up access to renewable energy and allowing for economic diversification for fossil-free development pathways, preventing the proliferation of goal, oil and gas by ending all new exploration and production and a fair phase out where wealth nations transition fastest.

It comes after campaigners from 15 climate groups across Scotland protested outside of Scottish Parliament to call for the Scottish Government to add its voice to the list.

MSPs including Maggie Chapman, Monica Lennon, Patrick Harvie, Lorna Slater and Joe Fitzpatrick all came out in support of the demonstration.

(Image: Callum Bennetts)

Now Glasgow City Council has agreed to join the list and a spokesman said: “Glasgow is a leading advocate on climate issues and the treaty initiative is aligned to our existing plans and policies that aim to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions.

“Endorsing the treaty underlines Glasgow’s commitment to standing with other international cities calling for greater action to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.”

 Campaigners also handed in an open letter to the First Minister which was signed by people including Kathleen James, who is Scotland’s national poet.

Climate and faith organisations, as well as almost 3,000 members of the public, also signed it and called for the government to back the treaty.

North Ayrshire Council passed a motion to support the treaty earlier this month, while the City of Edinburgh Council had also previously voted through support of it.

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.” 

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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 liveable future.”