Your local municipality is often responsible for managing and investing large sums of money – either directly, or through the pension funds that they offer their employees.
Many European universities continue to invest their endowments and funds in fossil fuel companies. They also support the industry through the research they do and through partnerships with some of the worst-offending companies. Students, staff and alumni are taking action all over Europe and you can find more information and helpful advice and resources specifically for students through People & Planet.
Across the world faith groups have been helping lead the way on fossil fuel divestment. They were among the first to show moral leadership and divest, but many continue to invest in ways that contradict their ethics.
Efforts are underway tackling many faiths and denominations, including the Catholic Church. What about your local place of worship?
Climate change is the ‘public health challenge of our time’ according to many in the medical community. Several national medical associations have divested and doctors can be powerful advocates for action on climate change if they speak out and cut public ties with the fossil fuel industry. See Fossil Free Health
Trusts and foundations, charities and other organisations are also committing to divest. Divest:Invest focus on the philanthropic sector, and all other organisations committing to divest will be added to the divestment commitments and celebrated if you let us know.
Building a campaign team is important, but it’s ok to start small. Get people you know together and ask around groups working on similar issues in your area for people who might be interested.
Who better to take advice from than those already campaigning to divest their local authorities from fossil fuels? Here we share their top tips for building a strong team: