CLIMATE change protesters from Warwickshire took part in action for the “Divest from Crisis” day.
Members of Warwickshire Climate Alliance gathered on the steps of Shire Hall in Warwick to urge Warwickshire County Council to stop “investing in the climate crisis” on Friday (March 24).
More than 30 groups across Britain joined in the day of action with local demonstrations urging councils, pension funds and financial institutions to take steps to address the crises of fuel poverty, climate breakdown, and energy security, by divesting from fossil fuels.
Warwickshire Climate Action claim that despite declaring a climate emergency, WCC is still estimated to have £94million invested in planet-wrecking fossil fuels through its local government pension fund.
Members gathered at the council’s headquarters so they could deliver a letter to Coun Heather Timms, the Portfolio holder for Climate Change, explaining the importance of divesting from fossil fuels.
They also staged a “tug of war” between the might of the oil barons and ordinary Warwickshire residents who are being faced with massive energy bills in spite of the record profits being made by fossil fuel producers.
Warwickshire Climate Alliance hopes that councillors will take swift action soon to protect the pensioners of the future.
Demonstrations were also held in London, Nottinghamshire, Tyne and Wear, Glasgow, Greater Manchester, Leicestershire and Edinburgh.
Rob Powell, Strategic Director for Resources at Warwickshire County Council said: “Warwickshire County Council is committed to sustainability and taking action on climate change. We also believe that it is important to engage with our local communities on issues related to sustainability and climate change, and so we welcome the ongoing dialogue with Warwickshire Climate Alliance and other stakeholders as we continue to evaluate our investment portfolio and further develop our Sustainable Futures Strategy. We look forward to continued engagement on this important issue.”
