It is becoming more and more apparent that climate change is a reality to be taken seriously. Scientists, climate experts, and many progressive governments around the world agree that 350 parts per million is a safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Currently, the number sits at 392 (ppm). In order to decrease this number back to 350, and avoid a runaway climate catastrophe, 80% of fossil fuels that are currently in reserves owned by fossil fuel corporations must remain underground.

The University of New Brunswick is “committ(ed) to understanding and solving the problems of today and tomorrow” as stated in the UNB mission statement. Many of these problems are tied to climate change, which we are facing today and will inevitably be faced with in the future. We call on the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton to immediately freeze any new investment in fossil-fuel companies, and to divest within five years from direct ownership and from any commingled funds that include fossil-fuel public equities and corporate bonds. We believe such action on behalf of the university will not only be a sound decision for our institution’s financial portfolio, but also truly illuminate UNB’s values for innovation, problem solving, and leadership.