Environmental NGO lends backing to Edinburgh University protestors

WWF Scotland director Lang Banks has thrown his support behind students occupying the University of Edinburgh over its refusal to divest from fossil fuels.

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

Banks told Holyrood: “It’s been a few years since I’ve had to occupy a university building to help press for something to change. But, given that climate change is now the biggest environmental threat facing people and the planet, it does not surprise me that students are taking action like this.

“And, it’s certainly not unreasonable for students to ask their university to stop contributing through its investments to companies that have no interest other than digging up and burning every last bit of coal, oil or gas.

“The University’s new policy will contribute little to address climate change if it at the end of the day it fails to divest from any climate-wreakers and invest more in the many pollution-free alternatives. Congratulations to the students for making sure this globally important issue is getting the attention it deserves.”

The protestors yesterday released a list of demands, calling for a commitment from the University to divest from coal and tar sands before September this year, as well as “full disclosure on the court’s decision-making process”.

The statement demands that Edinburgh People and Planet will be represented during all future discussion regarding ethical investment, with the University releasing more information on what it intends to achieve through continued engagement with fossil fuel companies.

In a statement, the University of Edinburgh said: “The University fully supports the right of all students to protest lawfully and peacefully.

“The student body has been represented throughout Edinburgh's fossil fuels investment policy discussions.”