Mark Whitehead 24 March 2023

Councils targeted in climate change ‘day of action’

Councils targeted in climate change ‘day of action’  image
Image: Ink Drop/Shutterstock.com.

Local authorities, pension funds and financial institutions are being targeted in a ‘day of action’ to address fuel poverty, climate change and the energy crisis.

More than 30 groups across the country are expected to join the Divest from Crisis day called by environmental organisations today.

This week scientists delivered a warning that there is ‘a rapidly closing window of opportunity’ for countries to act on climate and secure a ‘liveable and sustainable future’.

In 2021, the UK pensions industry was estimated to have invested £128bn in fossil fuel companies, the campaigners say, while the biggest banks have poured tens of billions into oil and gas projects.

The campaign groups are calling on investors to divest from what they see as expensive and unstable fossil fuels and boost investment in affordable and future-proof renewables.

They say more than 50 local councils have now formally backed divestment from fossil fuels.

In London, 100 members of the Climate Choir are expected to target asset managers BlackRock and Vanguard, who provide management and investment services to many UK local government pension schemes.

Rianna Gargiulo of Friends of the Earth said: ‘Investors like our local council pension funds have a clear choice.

‘They can either continue gambling billions on fossil fuels and propping up a broken and costly energy system or invest in what’s really needed right now: decent housing and affordable renewable energy for all.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner