Today at FEstival we launched our new Emissions Impossible: divest-invest resources for organising in further education (FE).
Bringing FE into Emissions Impossible: divest-invest - which focuses on getting our universities and colleges to cut their ties with the fossil fuel industry and participate in the just transition to a low-carbon world - has long been an aim of NUS. Given that over a third of UK universities have now committed to divest from fossil fuel companies, it is clearly time that FE colleges had the opportunity to get involved. We know our FE members can play a significant role in furthering the existing successes of the global fossil fuel divestment movement.
Colleges don't have fossil fuel company endowment investments like universities, so these bespoke resources suggest that FE organisers can participate by either linking up with local authority or university campaigns in their area, or organising around Emissions Impossible: divest-invest's third ask:
'Pledge by universities and colleges to commit to be powered by 100% renewable electricity (bought or generated).'
This ask seeks to widen the divestment narrative by acknowledging that the fossil fuel industry goes beyond those involved in the extraction and production of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. It is upheld by a multitude of other sectors including companies who provide technology and infrastructure for resource extraction - such as the building of oil rigs - and those who buy these fuels to burn them for the creation of electricity for consumers, such as E.On and EDF. It is the latter which our third ask seeks to challenge the relationship with in our institutions.
Launching today are:
- Our organiser briefing which outlines the basis of the campaign, provides information on background and context, NUS' position and how it is applicable to an FE context.
- Our campaign outline tells you all you need to get started with planning and advancing a campaign at your college.
- Our shareable infographics with research statistics on them which can be shared as part of building your campaign.
If you're organising in a college and would like a bespoke workshop on how to run this on your campus, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
HAPPY MONDAY FE!