Efforts made by students from the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) Society of NUI Galway, and Students’ Union President Jimmy McGovern late last semester to commit NUI Galway to divestment of its €3.4 million worth of fossil fuel shares have been met with support from NUI Galway President Dr James Browne.
“It is important for students to consider their role as global citizens who will shape our planet’s future,” he said.
“By advocating for an ethical policy on institutional investment, the CCAFS society and the Students’ Union leadership are highlighting an important global issue which impacts on climate change, social equity and a range of important ethical issues today.”
The students met with Dr Browne on 30 November 2016 to discuss the divestment of the shares.
This meeting resulted in a motion for the divestment being drawn up by February, which will seek full divestment of fossil fuel shares, and the implementation of an ethical investment policy.
“I look forward to working with our students to promote a transparent and ethical investment policy at NUI Galway, including fossil fuel divestment,” said Dr Browne.
Colm Duffy, Auditor of the CCAFS Society and Director of the Fossil Free Campaign was delighted with a significant and positive step towards divestment: “We are thrilled with the response so far from Dr Browne, and see today’s result as a significant step towards divestment,” he said on the day.
“We are looking forward to announcing NUI Galway’s commitment to divestment, and implementation of an ethical investment policy in February. We are hopeful that successes here, and in Trinity College, are the beginning of a cascade effect among Irish Universities.”
