1,000 signatures reached
To: Chancellor Dr. John Wood, Vice Chancellor Dr Rod Carr and members of the University Council, and UC Foundation Chair Mr Barry Ramsay and members of the UC Foundation board.
University of Canterbury: divest from fossil fuels
This campaign has ended.
We ask that the University of Canterbury (including the University of Canterbury Trust Funds and the UC Foundation):
1. Immediately halt new direct or indirect investments in companies whose primary business is the extraction or production of fossil fuels, including no refinancing of existing loans to coal, oil and gas projects.
2. Withdraw all direct and indirect investments in companies whose primary business is the extraction or production of fossil fuels within the next three years.
3. Introduce a public policy announcing the commitment to fully divest from oil, coal and gas within the three-year time frame.
Why is this important?
"It’s simple math: we can emit 565 more gigatons of carbon dioxide and stay below 2°C of warming — anything more than that risks catastrophe for life on earth. The only problem? Burning the fossil fuel that corporations now have in their reserves would result in emitting 2,795 gigatons of carbon dioxide – five times the safe amount." – 350.org
As a reputable university we have an opportunity to be leaders in a global movement that can actually bring a positive change for society. Young people are going to have to endure the effects of global climate change, and our education institutions should act to become part of the solution.
Visit our facebook page to like or discuss: https://www.facebook.com/ucdivests/
How it will be delivered
Fossil Free UC will be presenting our petition to Chancellor Dr John Wood as part of the #FossilFreeWeekOfAction. We'll be gathering in the courtyard between the Matariki and James Hight buildings from 12.30 with the official presentation happening at 12.50.
If you want to make a stand against the fossil fuel industry and for the climate, come and join us! https://www.facebook.com/events/1244571572259523/