On Thursday Jo Clay MLA will host an event with 350.org to celebrate a milestone in the long campaign for the ACT Government to divest from fossil fuels.
"For decades the ACT Greens have advocated in the Assembly for a transition to zero emissions, including ending ACT Government investments in fossil fuels", said Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens spokesperson for the circular economy.
"Today we've reached an important milestone after years of effort by successive Greens MLAs, and by committed community activists.
"The ACT Government now no longer invests in the fossil fuel companies listed on the "Carbon Underground 200", a list of the top coal, gas and oil companies listed by potential carbon emissions.
"Greens MLA Kerrie Tucker first pursued an ethical investment framework in 1999. Ethical investment then became a requirement in the 2008 Parliamentary Agreement between the Greens and Labor.
"Greens MLA Meredith Hunter also presented ethical investment legislation in 2010. Caroline Le Couteur MLA and many Greens MLAs ever since have been advocating for ethical investment. It's a core principle for our party world-wide and part of a sustainable circular economy.
"Here in the ACT we are now powered by 100% renewable electricity. We also have great policies to get off gas and switch to zero emissions transport.
"But if our ACT Government still invests in major fossil fuel companies, it means we as a city continue to support those industries.
"350 Canberra identified divestment as a core part of climate activism. I'm really delighted that their campaign and the long advocacy by many MLAs have resulted in the ACT Government no longer investing in major fossil fuel companies identified by the divestment movement."
Shane Rattenbury, leader of the ACT Greens commented:
"I'm proud that ACT Greens have, over more than a decade, used their balance-of-power role to help achieve meaningful outcomes like this fossil fuel divestment milestone. It shows the long term difference Greens are making to improve environmental and community outcomes in the ACT.
"Congratulations also to 350.org for their committed community campaign; actions by the community are critical in the fight against climate change.
"The fossil fuel divestment movement is playing an important role in transforming the market, as individuals, institutions and government seek to invest in industries other than the fossil fuel sector.
"How we invest our money has lasting impacts on society and the environment. Choosing ethical and environmentally responsible investments can help to build a better future, the one we all want to see."
