UK Universities Make Historic Pledge to Go Carbon-Free

More than 75% of UK institutions have made the historic commitment to divest from fossil fuels, bringing their assets into line with sustainability objectives. This milestone indicates a significant change in the higher education industry toward moral, environmentally friendly activities.

Campaigners claim that out of 149 UK colleges, 115 have made a formal commitment to keep fossil fuel companies out of their investment portfolios. It is anticipated that this action will divert an astounding 17.7 billion euros in endowments from the fossil fuel industry. Ten years ago, People & Planet started the Fossil Free Universities campaign, which has been a major factor in raising awareness and encouraging action against climate change. The campaign has emphasized the difficulties encountered by the people most impacted by the climate problem and the observable results of university investment decisions.

Four universities recently revised their ethical investment policies to exclude fossil fuels: the University of Bradford, Glasgow School of Art, Royal Northern College of Music, and Birmingham City University. With this action, 115 colleges are now fully committed to fossil fuel-free investments.

“A decade ago, it would have been unimaginable that so many institutions would formally refuse to invest in fossil fuels,” said Laura Clayson of People & Planet, who praised the accomplishment. It is thanks to the generations of students and staff who have stood up for justice in support of affected communities that we are able to commemorate this today.”
But the campaign is far from ended. The 34 colleges that have not yet realized fossil-free investment policies are the focus of increased advocacy efforts, according to campaigners.
Later this month, People & Planet will publish its revised university league table, which will rank universities according to their environmental and ethical efforts. This action is anticipated to increase pressure on academic institutions to embrace sustainable practices and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

This historic pledge is a monument to the strength of student-led action and the growing momentum behind the fossil fuel divestment campaign, as the UK higher education sector continues to make progress towards a more sustainable future.