Edinburgh University backtracks on fossil fuels

The University of Edinburgh will “fully divest” from the activities of three of the world’s biggest fossil fuel producers following protests by students.

Students have been occupying the University’s Charles Stewart Building since the University released a statement earlier last week saying it would not divest but instead, “seek to change the behaviour of the companies in which it invests”.

However, the University’s Investment Committee today announced it would write to companies involved in coal or tar sands production to give the intention to divest within six months. The companies will have the opportunity to respond in the next four weeks.

Professor Charlie Jeffery, the University’s Senior Vice-Principal, said: “This decision underlines the recent commitment made by the University to address the challenge of climate change through its responsible investment policy.

“We will act quickly to reduce harmful emissions through divestment, reinforcing the work we do to act on climate change through research and teaching.”