Divest London held an exciting meeting at SOAS University on Thursday night to plan London’s action for the Global Divestment day on February 14.  I’ve just joined the group and it was a brilliant evening!

The divestment movement aims to remove the fossil fuel industry’s social license. Here’s what we all need to know:  fossil fuel corporations have five times more oil, coal and gas in reserve than we can safely burn. The overwhelming majority of climate scientists agree that we have to keep 80% of these fossil fuels in the ground to avoid disastrous climate change. These figures are staggering.  By encouraging public institutions to withdraw their money from the industry, we make a moral statement and encourage investment in the renewables sector.

The ‘gofossilfree’ divestment campaign is raising public awareness across the globe and gaining serious momentum.  Universities, places of worship, councils and pension funds have all been targeted and there have been real victories: Glasgow University is the first European university to divest, Oxford is the first UK council to vote to divest and KLP, Norway’s largest pension fund, is divesting from coal.  Go to gofossilfree.org for more information and updates.  Sign up!

Back to London, the meeting on Thursday was packed when I arrived.   Energy surged around the room as we planned an exciting day of action.  It was heartening to be surrounded by so many intelligent, committed people all campaigning for change.

I missed evening cuddles with Aidan but on a personal note, no matter what I do, fate always seems to send me to the vicinity of Russell Square for life-changing events! I met my husband at the College of Law on Store street, my first job was at a literary agency in Bloomsbury, Aidan was born at University College Hospital and now I find myself in SOAS campaigning for his future. Clearly my involvement is meant to be!