Manchester is adding its voice to calls for an international treaty to curb the use of fossil fuels.
The Council has joined the leaderships of major cities around the world – including European capitals London, Paris, Rome, Dublin, Amsterdam and Copenhagen – in advocating for a global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The decision adds further momentum to the growing campaign for nation states to negotiate a new global framework to end the expansion of fossil fuels and phase out oil, gas and coal extraction – with a just transition for workers and communities to prosper in a renewable energy-powered future.
Manchester’s backing for the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative is the latest step in the city’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change. The city’s goal is to become zero carbon by 2038 or earlier and the Council, which has the same mission, is leading the way through a range of actions to drive down the amount of carbon its buildings and operations pump into the atmosphere. These include decarbonising buildings through improved energy efficiency, electrifying council vehicles such as bin lorries and reducing the carbon footprint of events.
Only last week the Council announced a Power Purchase Agreement which will see it purchase its electricity directly from a newly-created solar farm from next year.
Council Leader Councillor Bev Craig said:
“As a city we will continue to do all we can to decarbonise and eliminate our own use of fossil fuels. But Manchester has always been an outward-looking city and we recognise that we are part of a wider world and a bigger challenge.
“That’s why we want to use our voice to support those calling for positive change.”
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Clean Air and Environment, said:
“We’ve heard recently from the United Nations the urgent need to do more to tackle climate change to stop its already evident effects becoming catrastrophic.
“Ending the world’s addiction to fossil fuels is absolutely fundamental to that effort. We recognise that it needs to be done in a way which cushions the impact for workers and communities who depend on them but also the incredible opportunities that a renewable energy-powered world would bring, for cleaner air as well as greener fuel.”
Dr Amiera Sawas, Head of Research for the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative and a Manchester citizen, said:
“By joining over 110 cities worldwide, Manchester reaffirms its legacy of bold leadership in shaping a safer, fairer world.
“The city’s decision sends a powerful and inspiring message: it’s time to move on from fossil fuels in a way that prioritises people and the planet over profit, and Manchester – as always – is ready to be part of a movement for building an equitable, safe and climate-resilient world.”