Fourth event of today's divestment conference now underway: an open debate with members of university council!
@jes1003 Jason Scott-Warren kicks off by putting fear on the table. He admits to experiencing climate terror and says it is important that we talk about and confess our fear. We absolutely cannot keep on living as we do.
@jes1003 Graduate Union President Alessandro Ceccarelli summarises the Graduate Union's role in the divestment movement to date. He criticises the new Cambridge Zero initiative as perhaps tokenistic. Questions what the actual aims of the project are and how effective it will be.
@jes1003 University Councillour Sam Ainsworth debunks a number of anti-divestment arguments. He shows divestment is moral, part of a coherent movement, not in violation of the University's fiduciary duty, and entirely possible under the University's fund of funds investment model.
@jes1003 UC Nick Gay criticises the VC's earlier calls to delay a decision. He says the situation is urgent and action must be taken immediately. Describes 'culture of secrecy' within the University investment office. He wants the university to become world leaders in ethical investing.
@jes1003 CUSU President Edward Parker Humphreys argues fossil fuel companies like BP and Shell do not have a role in the needed energy revolution. Divestment is important as a symbolic act. Undermining their legitimacy reduces their lobbying power.
@jes1003 External Councillor Sharon Flood calls for action with pace and evidence. Wants to build momentum for political change. Wants to see money generated from fossil fuels over the next few years used to tackle climate change...
@jes1003 'All big businesses make mistakes' - Sharon Flood's response to a question on whether we can expect companies like Shell and BP to take action on climate change given their record. She questions whether these are individual instances or endemic issues in fossil fuel companies.
@jes1003 Audience member Jeremy Caddick asks whether new CIO Tilly Franklin's history as a director of a fracking firm will affect her position on divestment.
