Calls for more net zero funding to meet Glasgow city centre targets

Green councillors are calling on the Scottish and UK governments to provide more funding for Glasgow to help meet its net zero targets by 2030.

Councillor Lana Reid-McConnell is expected to present a motion at full council this week urging the both governments to ensure the city has the proper finances and powers needed to help reduce emissions.

It comes following the devastating impacts of recent “extreme” weather events around the world including fires in Hawaii which have killed at least 114 people and destroyed thousands of people’s homes and livelihoods.

The summer has also seen a number of climate records shattered, including the hottest day ever recorded, the highest ocean temperature ever recorded and the lowest ever levels of Antarctic sea ice.

The Victoria Park ward councillor now wants to see investment zones in the city region, supporting Glasgow’s move to net zero while helping to transition energy infrastructure and other industries including sustainable fashion.

Councillor Reid-McColl is also calling on elected members to back the “Stop Rosebank” campaign, which if approved would see the greenlight for Norwegian oil giant Equinor’s Rosebank oil field – the biggest undeveloped oil field in the North Sea.

Her motion reads: “The council notes the recent announcement by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of plans to issue hundreds of new oil and gas licences in order to ‘max out’ North Sea reserves and that this is likely to include the massive Rosebank field.

“Council commits to support the Stop Rosebank campaign and others in opposing these acts of climate vandalism.

“Council believes that there is no credible policy justification for these actions, either for climate, jobs or energy security, and instead believes it is part of a conscious decision on behalf of the Conservative Party to seek to exploit the environment as a wedge issue in the misplaced belief it will provide them with short-term electoral gain.

“Council believes that such a mindset is deplorable and that all those politicians and political leaders who seek to wilfully delay, disrupt or otherwise thwart the implementation of necessary climate actions will never be forgiven for that.”

If approved, the motion will see that full council be kept apprised, at least annually, of where Glasgow is making progress, and what more can be done to accelerate necessary action.