Endorsing the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty - by Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll

We can't wait any longer for action. Our youth and future generations have the most to lose from a lack of immediate action to stop fossil fuel expansion as they face major and lifelong health, ecological, social and economic impacts from prolonged and cumulative effects of climate change, including food and water shortages, infectious diseases and natural disasters and entire communities are impacted by the health and safety risks of fossil fuel expansion, especially those who also face socioeconomic and health inequities. The recent pandemic has exacerbated many existing climate impacts affecting vulnerable communities, especially for residents experiencing homelessness, those who have recently become unemployed, seniors, and low-income communities, all of which are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Global governments and the fossil fuel industry are currently planning to produce about 120 percent more emissions by 2030 than what is needed to limit warming to 1.5 degress Celsius and avert catastrophic climate disruption, and such plans risk undoing the work of our city to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The economic and job opportunities presented by a clean energy transition far outweigh the opportunities presented by an economy supported by expanding fossil fuel use and extraction. The City of Toronto is committed through TransformTO and the Toronto Office of Rebuild and Recovery to a just energy transition and to ambitious investments in the green infrastructure and industries that will create jobs and rapidly decarbonize our economy. A new global initiative is underway calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty that would end new fossil fuel exploration and expansion, phase out existing production in line with the global commitment to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and accelerate equitable transition. Support is building internationally, with 101 Nobel Laureates and an open letter signed by 1300 scientists and academics. The City of Vancouver has also signed on to support the call. City Council should act now to add Toronto's support to this important commitment.

of the Paris Climate Agreement and the greenhouse gas reduction targets and aspires to meet its proportionate greenhouse gas reductions.