Local Government Council Divestment Campaign in WA

To maintain a liveable planet the United Nations is stating we need to keep 80% of our fossil fuels in the ground. We should appreciate our many renewable energy resources. Yet, our carbon emitting coal and gas industries continue to expand. Our banks and superannuation institutions invest trillions of dollars in the fossil fuel industry. Divestment, by moving money out of fossil fuels, sends a strong message that we no longer support companies that profit from climate change. “If it is wrong to wreck the planet then it is wrong to profit from that wreckage.” We have a choice. We must do all we possibly can to get money out of fossil fuels, as fast as we can to preserve a liveable planet for our children and grandchildren.

The big four banks have loaned $36 billion since 2008 to new coal and gas projects in Australia.

The coal and gas boom is threatening our farms, water resources, health, the environment and natural icons such as the Great Barrier Reef. It is also jeopardising our chances of keeping global warming to within manageable limits.

The big banks are custodians of the majority of Australians’ money and most Local Councils have council/ratepayers money invested in them. They need to be held accountable for how it is used.