Report from the Advisory Committee on Fossil Fuel Divestment

A new report is available from the McMaster committee established to review the University’s approach to the ethical, scientific, financial and governance implications of divestment from fossil fuels. The committee, which includes faculty, staff, students, alumni and Board of Governors members, was created by President Patrick Deane after he received two petitions from faculty and students requesting that McMaster divest.

After considerable discussion and consultation, the committee completed its report which includes a range of recommendations focused on ways it believes the University could have the greatest impact on fossil fuel use and climate change. These strategies are not focused on divestment but instead include promoting research and increasing awareness of the issues, reducing consumption, and updating and improving investment policies. A number of the recommendations are already underway.

The Advisory Committee report is available here and comments and feedback on the recommendations are being welcomed at univsec@mcmaster.ca until the middle of January.