Cheshire East Council has backed a motion advocating for the initiation of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty - a move being spearheaded by Sandbach councillor, Councillor Sam Corcoran, former leader of the council

Cllr Corcoran says there's overwhelming scientific evidence linking fossil fuel consumption to climate change, public health issues and air pollution.

The environment and communities committee voted by seven to five in favour of formally endorsing the call for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty that would plan the end of new fossil fuel exploration and expansion and phase out existing production in line with the global commitment to limit warming to 1.5°C.

Cllr Corcoran took the motion to the council saying the scientific consensus is clear that fossil fuels were primarily responsible for accelerating global climate change"

He said the reliance on fossil fuels exposed communities to public health risks and that 'the economic opportunities of the transition to clean energy far outweigh trying to cling on to fossil fuel use'.

He said: "The scientific consensus that fossil fuels are a primary driver of global climate change is now well understood.

"According to Nasa there is now a stark increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide from under 320 ppm in 1970 to over 420 ppm today"

Councillor (Labour) Anna Burton supported the motion from a public health point of view saying 'air pollution linked to fossil fuel use, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, and premature deaths' is a "significant factor".

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