1. Ondertekend Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.pdf

A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE CITY OF AMSTERDAM’S ONGOING COMMITMENT TO THE GOALS OF THE PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT AND ENDORSEMENT OF THE FOSSIL FUEL NONPROLIFERATION TREATY.

WHEREAS, the scientific consensus is clear that human activities are primarily responsible for accelerating global climate change, and that the climate crisis now represents one of the preeminent threats to global civilization; and

WHEREAS, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported in 2018 that we must achieve net zero in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by the middle of this century in order to have a reasonable chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius; and WHEREAS, changes in Amsterdam’s climate are already being felt, with 1,6°C increase of average temperature and doubling of hot summer days (>25°C) since 1950. In addition there has been a 25% increase of rain since 1901 and the chance on cloudburst has increased fourfold, both significantly increasing the risk of flooding. WHEREAS, 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

WHEREAS, the Paris Climate Agreement is silent on coal, oil and gas, an omission with respect to the supply and production of fossil fuels (the largest source of GHGs) that needs to be collectively addressed by other means; and WHEREAS, global governments and the fossil fuel industry are currently planning to produce about 120% more emissions by 2030 than what is needed to limit warming to 1.5°C and avert catastrophic climate disruption, and such plans risk undoing the work of our city to reduce GHG emissions; and WHEREAS, the construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure and expanded reliance on fossil fuels exposes communities to untenable risks to public health and safety at the local and global levels; and

WHEREAS, the economic opportunities presented by a clean energy transition far outweigh the opportunities presented by an economy supported by expanding fossil fuel use and extraction; and

WHEREAS, our community is committed, as part of our climate emergency response, to a just energy transition and to ambitious investments in the green infrastructure and industries that will create jobs and rapidly decarbonize our economy; and

WHEREAS, the city of Amsterdam recognizes that it is the urgent responsibility and moral obligation of wealthy fossil fuel producers to lead in putting an end to fossil fuel development and to manage the decline of existing production; and WHEREAS, 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°C, and accelerate equitable transition plans; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Amsterdam endorses the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Amsterdam urges the Dutch government to support the initiative for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Amsterdam affirms its ongoing commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and the GHG reduction targets as called for by the IPCC, and pledges to meet its proportionate greenhouse gas reductions under the Paris Climate Agreement.

Yours sincerely,

On behalf of the College of Mayor and Alderpersons,

Femke Halsema Mayor of Amsterdam