British Medical Association Becomes World’s First Health Organization to Divest From Fossil Fuels

By Brandon Baker
Posted July 2, 2014
MintPress News

Divesting from fossil fuels not only makes sense, but it’s in vogue. Students are advocating for it, colleges are doing it, and now doctors are joining the party.

As a result of its recent annual meeting, the British Medical Association will divest its fossil fuel investments. The vote makes the BMA the first health organization in the world to make such a decision.

“Reducing greenhouse gases will therefore have health and economic benefits, but health aspects and impacts are less well identified and accepted by the general public,” said Dr Jane Richards said, according to the BMA. “It is now time to reduce our reliance our reliance on [fossil fuels].”

The decision was encouraged by the BMA’s Retired Members Forum, along with MedAct, Climate and Health Council and others. Motions from councils and divisions within the BMA all read similarly to the South Central Regional Council’s:

  1. Transfer its investments from energy companies whose primary business relies upon fossil fuels to those providing low-carbon energy sources
  2. Transfer to an electricity supplier who is “100% renewable.” 

Environmental advocates welcome the support of medical professionals in the fight against climate change.

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