Eight UK Universities Sever Ties with Fossil Fuel Industry Over Recruitment Cuts
The number of universities severing ties with the fossil fuel industry has surged, with eight more institutions opting out of recruitment fairs and refusing to advertise roles in the sector. This marks an 80% increase since last year, bringing the total number of UK universities that have banned fossil fuel company recruitment to 18.
Climate justice activists say this shift is a significant step forward in tackling the climate emergency, as the industry is "the most responsible for fuelling the crisis". People and Planet, which conducted the study, reports that many universities have committed to cutting ties with the industry over the past year.
The analysis also highlights improvements in university sustainability efforts, particularly among new institutions formed under the Further and Higher Education Act. Eight of these newer universities made it into the top 10 places for sustainability, often taking early action such as ending recruitment links with fossil fuel companies.
While some traditional Russell Group universities have seen a decline in their rankings, newer institutions are leading the way in sustainability efforts. The University of Oxford has jumped 30 places, while Cambridge has moved up ten spots from a 3rd to a 2:2.
The move away from the fossil fuel industry comes as campaigners celebrate a record number of universities taking bold steps on migrant rights. Thirteen universities now "divest" from private companies profiting from controlling and surveilling migrants seeking sanctuary, marking an important step in challenging government policies.
The number of universities severing ties with the fossil fuel industry has surged, with eight more institutions opting out of recruitment fairs and refusing to advertise roles in the sector. This marks an 80% increase since last year, bringing the total number of UK universities that have banned fossil fuel company recruitment to 18.
Climate justice activists say this shift is a significant step forward in tackling the climate emergency, as the industry is "the most responsible for fuelling the crisis". People and Planet, which conducted the study, reports that many universities have committed to cutting ties with the industry over the past year.
The analysis also highlights improvements in university sustainability efforts, particularly among new institutions formed under the Further and Higher Education Act. Eight of these newer universities made it into the top 10 places for sustainability, often taking early action such as ending recruitment links with fossil fuel companies.
While some traditional Russell Group universities have seen a decline in their rankings, newer institutions are leading the way in sustainability efforts. The University of Oxford has jumped 30 places, while Cambridge has moved up ten spots from a 3rd to a 2:2.
The move away from the fossil fuel industry comes as campaigners celebrate a record number of universities taking bold steps on migrant rights. Thirteen universities now "divest" from private companies profiting from controlling and surveilling migrants seeking sanctuary, marking an important step in challenging government policies.
I'm actually kinda impressed by this latest wave of UK universities severing ties with the fossil fuel industry? Like, who would've thought that being a responsible corporate citizen wouldn't be cool anymore? 
But seriously, it's about time we acknowledge the elephant in the room – climate change is no joke! 
Those new universities are definitely doing something right by taking bold action. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we know we can't save the world with just a degree, so let's do our part to stop fueling the crisis". 
Plus, it's awesome to see the University of Oxford and Cambridge making some serious strides in sustainability. I mean, who needs that much prestige when you're saving the planet? 
18 UK uni's severing ties with fossil fuel industry? that's a huge step towards tackling climate change! it's awesome to see newer universities taking the lead on sustainability efforts 
some of them like Oxford & Cambridge have even jumped in rankings 
gotta give props to climate justice activists for keeping us on our toes 
