Every single university in Wales has now committed to divest from fossil fuels

Every university in Wales has now committed to divesting from the fossil fuel industry. This comes following a decision from the University of South Wales to exclude fossil fuel firms from its investment portfolios.

Wales is the first country in the UK to have every university within it make the commitment to divest from fossil fuels.

The news comes after it was revealed earlier this week that  over 75% of UK universities have now divested from the fossil fuel industry. Campaigners say this illustrates how cutting financial ties with the industry is increasingly being recognised as a step that aligns with university goals and values.

Navid Sharif, Vice-President Activities at University of South Wales Students’ Union, praised the University of South Wales’ decision, saying: “As the Vice President of the University of South Wales Students’ Union, I am incredibly thrilled to celebrate the University’s ethical investment policy and its firm stance on excluding fossil fuels and the border industry. These exclusions reflect the values of our student community and mark the culmination of discussions that have been ongoing since 2022, including key focus at the January AGM 2024.”

Sharif continued: “At [University of South Wales], our students care deeply about sustainability, and this milestone showcases what can be achieved when institutions listen to their communities. We are excited to build on this success and continue driving positive change towards a more equitable, low-carbon future for all.”

Fossil fuel divestment commitments have come about as a result of pressure from the campaign group People & Planet – the UK’s largest student activist network. People & Planet has been pushing for universities to divest from fossil fuels for more than decade as part of its ‘Fossil Free’ campaign.

Speaking on the news, Laura Clayson, Campaign Manager: Climate Justice at People & Planet, said that every university committing to divest is especially significant given the role of fossil fuels in Wales’ history. She said: “This news is incredibly significant given how fossil fuels have shaped the nation’s recent history and landscape. It is an act of solidarity with frontline communities globally, as well as those within Wales itself.

“This includes the community surrounding the controversial Ffos-y-Fran, the UK’s last and largest open cast coal mine, which closed in 2023. The community continues to have to fight for justice, for everything from health impacts to restoration of the area, as the mining company continues to break their promises on each and every front. We hope this news provides some additional strength to their struggle.”

The University of South Wales has also decided to exclude the ‘border industry’ from its investment portfolio alongside fossil fuels. This will see the university refuse to invest in companies involved in border security, detention, surveillance and deportation of migrants.

André Dallas, Co-Director: Migrant Justice at People & Planet, said: “It is great to see that the University of South Wales has not only divested from fossil fuels, but has also committed to exclude all companies profiting from the detention, deportation and surveillance of migrating people. Students are clear that their universities must stand for justice, community and progress not only in their prospectuses but in their policies and actions.

“That all of Wales has turned its back on the fossil fuel industry is momentous – we look forward to all Welsh universities taking analogous steps to cut ties with the brutality of the border industry.”

Image credit: Fossil Free Greater Manchester – Creative Commons