Open letter calls for SBC to disinvest from all fossil fuel companies

The letter calls on SBC to disinvest from all fossil fuel companies and businesses, whether through pension funds or by any other means, and to put those investment funds into green energy. 

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The group which is made up of likeminded people from a number of organisations will move to Market Square in Galashiels at 12.30pm today where they hope to raise awareness amongst the general public of the issue.

After that they will take part in the Fridays for Future silent vigil in  Market Square, Melrose, at 5pm. 

Similar action is being taken at local authorities throughout the UK, organised by Divest UK and including organisations such as Friends of the Earth, War on Want, Greenpeace, and Extinction Rebellion.

Climate change activists take part in a tug of war between fossil fuel companies and Mother Nature outside SBC headquarters (Image: Newsquest John Hislop)

Spokesperson Dr Shelagh King from Galashiels told the Border Telegraph: “All over the country people are asking councils to stop investing in fossil fuels, especially in their pension funds.

“Climate change across the world is resulting in floodings, a rise in sea levels and fires which affects human beings and nature.

“It affects how people live and people are losing their livelihoods, homes and even their lives due to natural disasters.

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“Scottish Borders Council declared a climate emergency and say that they intend to reduce investment in fossil fuels but it’s not happening fast enough.”

The council has previously claimed to have made significant changes to reducing its impact on the climate.

SBC has been approached for comment on the demands made in the letter.