Vancouver becomes first city in the world to support new global initiative
VANCOUVER, B.C. – Councillor Adriane Carr’s motion urging the City of Vancouver to formally endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty passed unanimously at today’s city council meeting.
Vancouver is the first city in the world to support the new global initiative to end new fossil fuel exploration and expansion, phase out existing production in line with the global commitment to limit warming to 1.5°C, and accelerate equitable transition plans.
“Vancouver is well positioned to be a leader when it comes to climate action,” said Carr.
“We have stood against expanding the Trans Mountain pipeline. We are pursuing actions to achieve carbon neutrality within our own jurisdiction. Endorsing the call for a global treaty to end fossil fuel proliferation makes total sense.
“Ending the expansion of fossil fuel production is necessary if all of us, together, are going to succeed in meeting the carbon reduction targets needed to protect our planet for our children and our grandchildren. We simply won’t be able to meet those critical targets if fossil fuel production continues to grow. I don’t want our work to reduce carbon in Vancouver to be for naught.”
Today’s motion follows the success of a previous motion put forward by Carr which called on Vancouver to fully divest from the fossil fuel industry.
“Both motions are about bringing our actions in line with our goals. Globally, nationally, and as a city we have the targets necessary to prevent the most catastrophic results of the climate crisis, but we are not taking the steps necessary to meet them.
“Unfortunately, we are not on track to meet our targets and if jurisdictions continue to expand fossil fuel production we never will.
“We need to be clear with the public and admit to ourselves that if we continue on the path we are on we simply will not be able to hold global warming to that critical 1.5 °C.”
Carr’s motion also asks the Mayor, on behalf of Council and the City of Vancouver, to send a letter to the Prime Minister of Canada and the Premier of B.C. urging the Canadian and B.C. governments to support the global initiative for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
“I sincerely hope to see our higher levels of government support this urgent work and bring their actions in line with their stated climate goals.
“I am grateful to Council for supporting this motion and proud that Vancouver is leading this critical call to action. I hope to see many other cities around the world follow suit.
“We must take to heart the words of a young Sustainabilteen who spoke to Council on this motion who said, ‘I was born into a future I almost expect I won’t survive’, and give her hope by helping put an end to the expansion of fossil fuel production.”
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More Information:
Motion: Endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
