MAYOR OF LONDON, SADIQ KHAN, APPOINTED SPECIAL ENVOY TO FOSSIL FREE CITIES

The role of cities in the global just transition

Cities are on the frontlines of the climate emergency, and they are also where the most innovative solutions are being pioneered. As Special Envoy, Mayor Khan will champion the role of cities and subnational governments in shaping global climate policies, ensuring they have a seat at the table in the urgent effort to phase out fossil fuels equitably, and finance a more just, sustainable future. Over 135 cities and subnational governments, including London, California, and 17 national capitals, have already endorsed the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal.

Cities face particular risks and vulnerabilities to the climate crisis, while also exacerbating it by simultaneously consuming a high proportion of the world’s energy and generating the majority of greenhouse gas emissions. The world continues to rapidly urbanise, and cities are not only home to the majority of the world’s population, but with that, huge drivers of climate emissions. Urban areas are experiencing first hand the effects of intensive fossil fuel use and are facing threats to the health and wellbeing of their populations from extreme temperatures and air pollution, to increased risks of disease and reduced availability of fresh water and food among many others. As a result, cities are in a unique and critical position when it comes to tackling the climate crisis -  they are central actors in the delivery of climate action and they have the opportunity to demonstrate the bold leadership needed to transform our societies so that they are fit for the future. 

London is leading by examples

  • CLEAN AIR & NET ZERO

    ULEZ and other policies have cut pollution and put London on track for net-zero by 2030.

  • FOSSIL FUEL DIVESTMENT

    Mayor Khan led efforts to divest £10bn in pension assets from fossil fuels and boost green investments.

  • GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

    As C40 Co-Chair, he’s helped cities worldwide cut ties with fossil fuels and share solutions.

  • EQUITY IS CENTRAL

    Clean air, green jobs, and climate resilience must benefit everyone, especially vulnerable communities.

QUOTES FROM THE SPECIAL ENVOY ANNOUNCEMENT

  • "Cities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, but they are also where the solutions are being forged. As Special Envoy, I am committed to ensuring that cities and subnational governments are not just heard but actively involved in shaping the global response to this crisis. The Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative represents a necessary step toward a sustainable, healthier future for all."

    SADIQ KHAN
    Mayor of London and C40 Co-Chair

  • "Cities are the beating heart of climate action, and Mayor Khan’s leadership in London has set a gold standard for what is possible when bold, visionary leadership meets unwavering commitment. As Special Envoy, he will amplify the voice of cities on the global stage, ensuring the Fossil Fuel Treaty is not just a framework but a catalyst for transformative change that reflects the urgent needs and aspirations of local communities. This is more than a step—it’s a leap toward a more just, sustainable, and fossil-free future for all."

    TZEPORAH BERMAN
    Co-Chair and Founder, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative

  • "Mayor Khan’s leadership in London has demonstrated that bold climate action is not only possible but transformative. His appointment as Special Envoy is a testament to the critical role cities must play in the global effort to phase out fossil fuels. At C40 Cities we have placed ending the use of fossil fuels at the very core of what we do, and we are proud to stand with Mayor Khan and the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative. Cities are the doers of climate action and now is our time to create a better, safer future for urban residents everywhere."

    MARK WATTS
    Executive Director of C40 Cities

SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Quick links for sharing here:
Facebook | Instagram | X | Bluesky | Linkedin | Threads

With your support, we can scale the campaign required to secure a negotiating mandate for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. 

With the help of hundreds of thousands of individuals just like you, the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty has come so much further than we ever could have imagined, and now we have a clear political pathway toward securing a negotiating mandate for a new mechanism to manage a phase-out of coal, oil and gas. 

There are lots of ways to work with us to help create a world free from fossil fuels, including endorsing the Treaty. 

But there is another way you can support our work - by becoming a donor. 

As you probably know, we rely on our donors’ support to raise the resources we need to do our work.  It is critically important.  

If you are interested in making a donation, you can do so in a number of ways - as a one-time gift or on a regular basis - either weekly or monthly.  

Thank you for helping us take the Treaty initiative to the next level! With your support, we can scale the campaign required to secure a negotiating mandate for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. 

  • Your donation will help build momentum toward a Treaty by supporting:

    • cutting-edge research on how to manage a global just transition away from coal, oil & gas

    • communications efforts to build support for phase out fossil fuels around the world

    • direct political engagement with nation-states most likely to support the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal

  • In the donation tool on this page you can select to donate in the following currencies:

    Australian Dollar (AUD)
    Brazilian Real (BRL)
    British Pound Sterling (GBP)
    Canadian Dollar (CAD)
    Euros (EUR)
    Indian Rupee (INR)
    Mexican Peso (MXN)
    New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
    Swedish Krona (SEK)
    Swiss Franc (CHF)
    US Dollars (USD)

    However, if you’d like to donate in another currency please contact us at donations@fossilfueltreaty.org and we can likely help.

  • You can update your recurring donation at donorbox.org or by contacting us at donations@fossilfueltreaty.org

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is a fiscally sponsored project of Earth Island Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible in the United States. Our federal tax identification number is 94-2889684. Your credit card statement will show the donation as a charge to Earth Island Institute (not our project name). Our mailing address is The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, c/o Earth Island Institute, 2150 Allston Way, Suite 460, Berkeley, California, 94704. Earth Island is an environmental organization providing fiscal sponsorship to more than 75 projects. They are committed to sound fiscal management, accountability, and transparency. Earth Island is highly rated by the top charity rating services, and you can view their financial reports here.

View our impact report here.

Connect with us for live updates