Protect future of our students

. . Drastic action needs to be taken to reduce human caused greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary driver of increased global temperatures. An article in Nature, published Jan. 8, stated: “ ... globally, a third of oil reserves, half of gas reserves and over 80 per cent of current coal reserves should remain unused from 2010-50 to meet the target of two degrees C”, a target identified by scientists to avoid the worst ravages of global warming.

UBC students voted overwhelmingly in 2014 in favour of a motion calling on the university to divest its endowment from fossil-fuel companies. UBC indicated it would divest from particular sectors, if there was strong support from at least two core constituencies, provided certain criteria were also met. Following on the inspiration provided by students, UBC faculty members have now taken this cause. A referendum is currently being held among faculty association members about whether to ask the university to divest from fossil-fuel companies. The vote runs through Feb. 8.

What will a yes vote achieve? If the university follows through on the wishes of its students and faculty, this will send a strong message to government policy-makers, the public, and the corporate world. It will also provide a model for those who are considering following suit. Petroleum companies are not likely to be affected greatly by this one single action. But if UBC becomes the first large research intensive university in Canada to fully divest its endowment from fossil-fuel companies, this may be an important step in a widespread mobilization for collective action around this issue.