10 signatures reached
To: Newcastle University Executive Board
NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY MUST DIVEST FROM FOSSIL FUELS AND RARE EARTH MINING COMPANIES
As students of Newcastle University and members of the community of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead boroughs, we call upon you to realise the negative impacts the fossil fuel and mining industries are having upon our planet, atmosphere and public health; and begin divestment in these industries as a matter of urgency, since this directly contradicts the statement that one of the University's main societal challenges is Sustainability.
Why is this important?
If we do not begin to take immediate and direct action against fossil fuel and rare Earth mining companies who are continually investing our money into the destruction and exploitation of our natural world and its' resources, we will continue to contribute a further 2ppm of CO2 to our atmosphere per annum, to the already 400ppm of atmospheric CO2 in the atmosphere.
All over the world people are experiencing the impact of climate change, and these impacts are gradually worsening. Our atmosphere will continue to warm at an exponential rate as emissions of greenhouse gases increase.
The biodiversity of our planet is already undergoing numerous changes in composition and environmental pressure due to human intervention and exploitation, which is causing a continuous rate of decline in global biodiversity.
Newcastle University are not alone in their investment in fossil fuels. This is a global phenomenon that must be brought to heed so that the safety of our planet and our species can be preserved for future generations.
Divestment is but scratching the surface of what we can do for our planet, and without Universities who promote Sustainable development making this leap - we will not make the greatest leap of all human innovation - the mastery of cleaner, more renewable energy sources.
How it will be delivered
I will deliver your signatures in person/stage a press conference when we have built up some more momentum.