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

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner