Global mayors call for divestment from fossil fuels

A group of mayors and municipality representatives are calling on other cities to divest from fossil fuels. The joint letter has been signed by 12 mayors from the UK, the […]

A group of mayors and municipality representatives are calling on other cities to divest from fossil fuels.

The joint letter has been signed by 12 mayors from the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Norway and Australia.

Mayor of Bristol City George Ferguson and Councillor Robert Dryden, Mayor of Cambridge have backed the call.

“Set against a backdrop of record breaking climatic extremes and weather events, investments in fossil fuels are a bet against the public’s well-being”, the letter stated.

It has been published as climate negotiations are taking place in Paris to find a deal to limit the rise of temperatures below 2°C.

The joint letter added: “Here at the COP21 climate talks, it is the time to set the next step and send a strong signal to national governments: If it is wrong to wreck the climate, it is wrong to invest in its destruction. Divestment models the kind of commitments we expect national governments to make in Paris: the transition away from fossil fuels is irreversible.

“Mayors have a vital role to play in the transition to a new energy economy. It is time we invest in supporting our communities instead of destroying our climate. Please join us and divest from fossil fuels.”

Top seven fashion brands also sent a letter to world leaders urging a “strong” climate deal at COP21.

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