An open letter to RMIT University from members of its staff community:

Dear Martin Bean

As stakeholders in RMIT University, we are strong advocates for sustainability across all of RMIT’s practices. In respecting acknowledged research, we as staff of RMIT consider climate change not only a global economic and environmental problem, but also an issue of social justice, intergenerational equity, and as such, intrinsically linked to the future prosperity of the human race. As a prominent educational institution, RMIT is currently disregarding climatic scientific consensus, by continuing to invest its financial endowment in the fossil fuel industry.

In reference to RMIT’s sustainability policy, “RMIT acknowledges that its identity and location, as well as its teaching, learning and research activities afford a particular sphere of influence that predisposes RMIT as a significant force to advance the sustainability agenda.”

We as signatories, advocate that RMIT University adhere to its values; by continuing its practice of progressive leadership in climate change mitigation, exampled through projects such as the Sustainable Urban Precincts Program (SUPP), RMIT’s Emissions Reduction Target, Melbourne’s Renewable Energy Project and through the funding of sustainable education programs. However, despite this significant progress in sustainability, without the divestment of RMIT endowment, our university will begin to fall behind a growing number of higher educational institutions, which have committed to full divestment from fossil fuels.

In awareness of the urgency on climate change, we, the undersigned, call on the University to:

1. Publicly commit to cease any further increased investment in fossil fuels;

2. Publicly commit to divesting entirely from fossil fuels within a specified time period

3. Publicly report regularly on the fossil fuel exposure and carbon intensity of its investments

By honouring these asks, RMIT acknowledges its moral responsibility to the wider community, both internationally and within Australia. Embodied in an opportunity to lead a conversation, to build our integrity, and to protect the prosperity of future generations. RMIT’s role as a tertiary education institution is influential in shaping a sustainable future, and one aspect to climate change solution is divestment from fossil fuels.

After reaching an international agreement in Paris, it’s time for collective action on climate change. RMIT, by divesting its financial involvement from coal, oil and gas companies, will send a clear message to the wider community, that fossil fuel reliance must end. RMIT needs to act with passion for sustainability, with courage for climate change, and with agility in adapting quickly.

RMIT’s divestment from fossil fuels is an expression of mutual respect for our inclusive community, and a reflection of everyone’s obligation to the health of our planet.

Signed