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.’

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner