Academy divests from direct fossil fuel holdings

October 28, 2015

The Australian Academy of Science has announced the withdrawal of its direct investments in fossil fuel companies.

The announcement was made by the Academy's President Professor Andrew Holmes in a speech at the Greenhouse 2015 conference in Hobart yesterday.

In the speech, Professor Holmes also discusses why scientists need to be "truth tellers" and fight against "scientific fallacy" in the public debate.

"This is a small step that the academy can take, but it is a step towards discharging our responsibility as scientists, and as leaders in society," Professor Holmes said.

The Academy's divestment is likely to be in the millions of dollars and involves its direct investments in companies whose income was primarily from environmentally damaging or exploitative practices.

Read more about the Academy's ethical investment policy.

© 2024 Australian Academy of Science

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