TO MARK the UK-wide Divestment Day of Action climate activists from across the Borders handed in an open letter at Scottish Borders Council headquarters this morning (Friday March 24 2023)
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.
READ MORE: Tweed Foundation open new educational resource at Drygrange
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.
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.
READ MORE:Borders play parks could be revamped thanks to £50m fund
“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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here