UK Universities Tighten Their Grip on Fossil Fuel Industry Ties
Eight more UK universities have severed their ties with the fossil fuel industry, marking an alarming 80% increase since last year. This means that 18 higher education institutions – or a staggering 12% of the sector – now refuse to advertise roles with fossil fuel companies to their students.
Climate activists and campaigners welcome this shift as a significant step towards tackling the climate emergency head-on. "We're delighted to see a growing number of universities cutting their ties with the industry most responsible for fuelling the climate crisis," said Josie Mizen, co-director of climate justice at People and Planet. The organization has been tracking university commitments in this area, and Mizen noted that the record-breaking commitment to banning recruitment from fossil fuel companies is a crucial development.
The latest people and planet university league rankings reveal 18 universities have pledged to shun the industry altogether. Manchester Metropolitan University takes top spot for the fourth year running, thanks to its efforts on energy sources, carbon reduction, and heat decarbonization projects. The university's performance earned it a high score across all categories, with campaigners hailing this as a model for sustainability in higher education.
Another area of focus is migrant rights. Campaigners report that 13 universities have now "divested from private companies profiting from controlling, surveilling and preventing the movement of people seeking sanctuary." This marks an increase from six last year, reflecting growing student activism against government policies deemed to scapegoat migrants.
The rise of new sustainability-focused universities is also noteworthy. Eight institutions in the top 10 places have made significant commitments, including ending recruitment links with fossil fuel companies and divesting from the border industry.
However, not all UK universities are making a strong showing on climate action. The Russell Group – an elite group of research-intensive universities – saw only three institutions score a perfect first-class grade this year, down from six two years ago. Despite this, the trend is clear: the younger generation's commitment to sustainability and social justice is driving real change in the higher education sector.
Eight more UK universities have severed their ties with the fossil fuel industry, marking an alarming 80% increase since last year. This means that 18 higher education institutions – or a staggering 12% of the sector – now refuse to advertise roles with fossil fuel companies to their students.
Climate activists and campaigners welcome this shift as a significant step towards tackling the climate emergency head-on. "We're delighted to see a growing number of universities cutting their ties with the industry most responsible for fuelling the climate crisis," said Josie Mizen, co-director of climate justice at People and Planet. The organization has been tracking university commitments in this area, and Mizen noted that the record-breaking commitment to banning recruitment from fossil fuel companies is a crucial development.
The latest people and planet university league rankings reveal 18 universities have pledged to shun the industry altogether. Manchester Metropolitan University takes top spot for the fourth year running, thanks to its efforts on energy sources, carbon reduction, and heat decarbonization projects. The university's performance earned it a high score across all categories, with campaigners hailing this as a model for sustainability in higher education.
Another area of focus is migrant rights. Campaigners report that 13 universities have now "divested from private companies profiting from controlling, surveilling and preventing the movement of people seeking sanctuary." This marks an increase from six last year, reflecting growing student activism against government policies deemed to scapegoat migrants.
The rise of new sustainability-focused universities is also noteworthy. Eight institutions in the top 10 places have made significant commitments, including ending recruitment links with fossil fuel companies and divesting from the border industry.
However, not all UK universities are making a strong showing on climate action. The Russell Group – an elite group of research-intensive universities – saw only three institutions score a perfect first-class grade this year, down from six two years ago. Despite this, the trend is clear: the younger generation's commitment to sustainability and social justice is driving real change in the higher education sector.
I'm not sure I entirely trust these numbers. Eight more universities severing ties with fossil fuel industry? That's a pretty big jump from last year... what's their methodology? Are they just relying on word of mouth or do they have some actual data to back it up? And how can we be sure that all 18 institutions are actually taking these actions and not just paying lip service? 
I need some credible sources to back this up before I start celebrating.
. It's about time someone took a stand against an industry that's literally destroying our planet. I mean, what's the point of having degrees if you're just gonna end up working for a company that's perpetuating climate change? 
i'm loving the fact that Manchester Metropolitan University is leading the way on sustainability, it's a great model for other institutions to follow 
and divestment from companies profiting off migrant rights is also super important, we gotta stand up for those who are struggling 
And btw, have you seen Manchester Metropolitan Uni's energy projects? They're actually pretty cool 
they're doing their part by shunning those dirty old companies and investing in sustainability instead, kudos to Manchester Metropolitan Uni for being a total boss 
16 other unis are following suit too, it's like the youth is taking over and saving the planet 
and we stopped at this tiny little cafe that served the best vegan pancakes ever 
! I mean, have you tried matching waffles? Game changer, right? 
But seriously, speaking of climate change and sustainability... what's up with these universities tightening their ties with fossil fuel industries? It's like they're finally waking up to the fact that our planet is literally on fire 
. And can we talk about how awesome it is that there are now more universities divesting from private companies that profit from migrant control? 
I mean, I know some people might say "but what about the jobs?" and I'm like... have you seen the job market lately? 
and shows thats students and campaigners r making a difference 
but overall im super proud of the progress made & excited for the future 
. But still, 80% increase since last year? That's huge! Maybe if more people spoke up about this stuff, we'd see even more universities cutting ties with those polluters 
. And btw, it's not just the fossil fuel industry – migrant rights are also getting some love 
. But still gotta wonder... what's taking these elite universities so long to get on board? The Russell Group should be ashamed 
! Eighty percent increase since last year? That's like me trying to do more memes in a day 
80% increase since last year is pretty impressive. But let me tell you, some of these universities have been doing this for ages. Like, Manchester Metropolitan University has been on top spot for four years now. That's dedication. And I'm loving the fact that they're focusing on sustainability and social justice. The people at People and Planet are doing great work.
The way UK universities are taking control of their ties with fossil fuel industries is super inspiring 
. And I love how the People and Planet university league rankings are highlighting universities that truly care about their impact on the environment 
.
. It's essential that we support students who are fighting for justice and equality in our society 
. The rise of new sustainability-focused universities is exciting, but it's equally important to acknowledge that not all UK universities are making the same commitment 
can't believe more UK u's are kickin fossil fuel ties for good 
Manchester Met Uni is killin it with their sustainability efforts tho 
. the future is in our hands 
. Can't help but wonder what the future holds for education & sustainability though...
. And yay for Manchester Metropolitan University being a total rockstar in sustainability efforts - they set the bar high and should be super proud of themselves 
. It's like, the younger generation is actually making a difference here 
. As someone who cares about the planet, it's inspiring to see so many institutions taking bold steps towards sustainability. Manchester Metropolitan University is setting a great example with its commitment to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions