Nearly 200 participants joined in the Toronto launch of the campaign for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty on June 14, 2021.
Last night's webcast featured 10 speakers.
- Tzeporah Berman and Seble Samuel from the International Campaign for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
- Sabaa Khan, David Suzuki Foundation
- Catherine Abreu, Executive Director, Climate Action Network Canada
- Julia Levin, Environmental Defence, on fossil fuel subsidies
- Chloe Tse, Spokesperson, Fridays4FutureTO
- Moscow Apartment, Bridgid Fry, Music Declares Emergency
- Steve Shallhorn, Labour Education Centre
- Dr. Toni Sappong
- Christine Boyle, Vancouver City Councillor
- Mike Layton, Toronto City Councillor
- MCs, Lyn Adamson, Co-Chair, ClimateFast Angela Orellama-Schwalm, MobilizeTO, and Aviva Gale-Buncel, youth climate activist
Tzeporah Berman and Seble Samuel provided background on the treaty process; how the campaign was designed, and what the benefits of endorsing this treaty will be.
It is clear that reducing emissions will require that we reduce not only the consumption of fossil fuels but their production. It is also clear that it is only through an international treaty to which all nations subscribe that we will be able to do this on a global scale. Since we need rapid reductions every year this decade international cooperation is key.
Sabaa Khan spoke of respecting Indigenous rights as key to our collective future. Julia Levin named the $18B we spent in 2020 as a barrier to the transition: e will have a much faster reduction in emissions if we have worldwide agreement to stop any new infrastructure from being built, if we redirect fossil fuel subsidies, and if we actively promote the development of alternatives.
Cat Abreu outlined a common strategy for a post-COVID green and just transition. Labour educator Steve Shallhorn brought in the importance of a well-designed transition plan for workers. Dr. Toni Sappong spoke of the many health benefits from cutting emissions in cities and instead building walking and cycling infrastructure. Chloe Tse spoke of the fear spoke of the fear that is experienced by youth looking at a potentially catastrophic future while little or no action is being taken to prevent that outcome
We all enjoyed a song by Moscow Apartment and Brighid Fry’s introduction of the Music Declares Climate initiative. Musicians can help us move to a healthier future!
Vancouver City Councillor Christine Boyle invited Toronto to join with Vancouver in moving this campaign forward. “When you are doing the right things as a city, it only makes sense to bring the rest of the world on board.”
Councillor Mike Layton urged us to speak up for the need for a successful vote in Toronto by speaking with our councillors and building support across the city and with the Mayor.
Many thanks to the planning team: Aviva, Lyn, Fatma, Chloe and the tech team: Tim, Mark & Fatma.
Next step!
Will you send a letter to your Councillor and the Mayor? please click here for a model letter!
Would you like to help in this campaign? ! Please fill in this survey
Would you like to volunteer for ClimateFast? Fill in our volunteer form!
You can view the speakers' bios and photos here.
And to watch the youtube recording and share with others, here’s the link.
You can also take action to stop the proliferation of fossil fuels in Ontario right now!
Let Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator know that you support clean energy and don't want gas fired plants added to Ontario's electricity grid! Deadline June 17th. Templates and more information available here.