As shown by our recently released report, despite Oxford partially divesting from fossil fuels, it still has extensive ties to the fossil fuel industry. In maintaining these ties, Oxford contributes to climate breakdown and actively furthers climate injustice; this engenders deep political, social, racial and economic inequality across the globe.
The University still takes millions from fossil fuel companies and in return carries out extensive research for them. Our Colleges are still invested in fossil fuels and our careers service still promotes jobs and internships on behalf of fossil fuel companies. Furthermore, our University refuses to speak out against the environmental and human right abuses carried out by fossil fuel companies. None of this is compatible with climate justice.
The world is set to warm by 4°C, putting everything we love and cherish at risk. Rather than helping to solve these issues, Oxford is using its wealth and privilege to make climate change worse. This is not okay.
The climate crisis will only be stopped if we act now. Therefore, Oxford must meet our demands to safeguard a better world for us all.
We are demanding:
IMMEDIATELY:
1. Commit not to take any further sponsorships, grants, or donations from fossil fuel companies.
2. Ensure that Oxford Careers Service stops advertising positions with fossil fuel companies, establishing a policy identical to that existing for the tobacco industry.
2. Ensure that Oxford Careers Service stops advertising positions with fossil fuel companies, establishing a policy identical to that existing for the tobacco industry.
SHORT TERM:
1. Reform the Committee to Review Donations and Research Funding to create a more robust ethical policy (in line with the existing protocol on the tobacco industry), and to demonstrate greater transparency regarding its decision-making process.
2. End all research which directly or knowingly aids in the extraction of fossil fuels, particularly when carried out on behalf of or in partnership with fossil fuel companies.
3. Remove the names of fossil fuel companies from buildings, institutes, and positions that are named after these companies.
4. Ensure all remaining Oxford colleges and halls fully divest from fossil fuels, in line with or exceeding the University’s divestment position.
LONG TERM:
1. Eliminate existing ties with the fossil fuel industry, after taking consultation on how to transition away from these relationships.
2. Prohibit individuals from holding positions of authority simultaneously at the University or colleges and in a fossil fuel company, where there is a demonstrable conflict of interest; for example, Finance Bursar, Director.
3. Promote climate justice, including researching and publicly recognising the ways that Oxford – both currently and historically – participates in colonial processes of exploitation and extraction, to the cost of Indigenous peoples and frontline communities; integrate sustainability and anti-racism policy throughout the University; establish policies to aid students from refugee backgrounds.
