New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) As global efforts to phase out fossil fuels gather pace, a London administration official said the growing momentum behind the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty presents an opportunity to accelerate the energy transition worldwide.
Responding to a question by PTI at the London Climate Action Week, the deputy mayor of London for environment and energy, Mete Coban, emphasised the importance of translating this international movement into concrete local and regional action that can drive systemic change.
鈥淢ayor Sadiq Khan has shown real leadership through C40 Cities and consistently been on the right side of history 鈥 standing up for London, challenging global figures like Donald Trump, and advancing bold climate action. We鈥檙e now looking at how we can harness the growing momentum of this movement to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels in London,鈥 Coban said.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been appointed Special Envoy for Fossil Free Cities by the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, a global campaign seeking to phase out fossil fuels and promote a just transition to sustainable energy.
Highlighting Khan鈥檚 approach to addressing issues of social justice, particularly in the context of the green transition, Coban said, 鈥淪adiq Khan has demonstrated real bold action and is genuinely committed to making this city a better place.鈥 He is incredibly focused on how to improve London, constantly thinking about what more we can do to address social justice, particularly in the context of the green transition, the deputy mayor said.
鈥淗e is always engaged. It鈥檚 amazing to see someone, after so many years in public service, still have that drive to achieve the best for all,鈥 he added.
In his new role, Khan will represent cities and subnational governments in international climate discussions. The initiative seeks a binding international agreement to stop fossil fuel expansion, manage a fair phase-out and fund a sustainable transition.
鈥淐ities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, but they are also where the solutions are being forged,鈥 said Khan, who also serves as Co-Chair of C40 Cities.
鈥淎s Special Envoy, I am committed to ensuring cities are actively involved in shaping the global response. The treaty is a step toward a sustainable, healthier future.鈥 The treaty has the backing of over 135 cities and subnational governments, including California and 17 national capitals. Seventeen countries have also endorsed the proposal, alongside a broad coalition of over one million individuals, nearly 4,000 civil society groups, thousands of academics, the World Health Organization, Indigenous leaders, the European Parliament and 101 Nobel laureates.
Tzeporah Berman, co-chair and founder of the initiative, said cities are central to effective climate action and described Khan鈥檚 appointment as an opportunity to raise their influence globally.
Air pollution linked to fossil fuels remains a major concern, with 41 per cent of cities worldwide recording pollution levels up to seven times higher than WHO guidelines. In low and middle-income countries, 97 per cent of cities report unsafe air quality. Urban areas are responsible for nearly three-quarters of global energy use.
Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, said the role of cities in ending fossil fuel use is critical and that Khan鈥檚 appointment reflects the importance of subnational leadership in delivering climate targets.
鈥淐ities are the doers of climate action and now is our time to create a better, safer future for urban residents everywhere,鈥 he added. PTI ABU SKY NSD NSD