University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, in the central mall, students with a banner, 12:15pm (22/04/2015):
Members of Fossil Free UTAS are gathering on campus today to openly protest the university’s investments in fossil fuels as part of the National Day of Divestment Action. Amidst growing concerns about the impacts of climate change, the University of Tasmania has refused to rule out investments in fossil fuel companies.
Elizabeth Taylor, spokesperson for Fossil Free UTAS said that the university was acting to the detriment of its constituents and all Tasmanians.
“We are protesting today at UTAS to send a clear message to the executive that we want a change in the way our money is invested,” said Ms Taylor.
“As climate change threatens our future, we need our universities to take action and be part of the solution not the problem.”
“UTAS has the opportunity to be a leader by becoming the first Australian university to divest entirely from the fossil fuel industry.”
Ms Taylor argued that the fossil fuel industry is a financially risky investment for the University of Tasmania.
“Recent analysis shows that fossil free funds are beating their non-divested rivals in the Australian share market,” said Ms Taylor.
“This research is supported by the clear decline in fossil fuel companies.”
“Further research suggests that 80% of current fossil fuel reserves need to stay in the ground if we are to stay within the internationally agreed climate change limit of 2 degrees.”
“Simply put, fossil fuels are a bad investment and are causing climate change.”
Ms Taylor concluded by arguing that the University of Tasmania should be reversing course.
“This is the only way to ensure the health of our planet and of the university’s investments in the long run.”
Lizzie Taylor, W: fossilfreeutas.com act.350.org/letter/divest_UTAS Fb : facebook.com/fossilfreeUTAS
