Melbourne, 13 May 2014 “This budget is a huge ‘up yours’ to the clean, renewable energy industry, climate change action and environmental protection,” said Market Forces Lead Campaigner Julien Vincent. “If appointing a climate change denier to head the review of the Renewable Energy Target wasn’t clear enough, today’s abolition … Read More
Media release: Big Four banks lose customers over fossil fuel gamble
Big Four banks lose customers over fossil fuel gamble 3rd May 2014: This weekend, hundreds of customers with Australia’s biggest banks have shut down their accounts to protest the banks’ lending to Australian coal and gas projects. Public divestment actions took place in fourteen cities and towns across Australia on … Read More
Cutting Fossil Fuel Subsidies a boon for the budget, reduces pollution
Cutting Fossil Fuel Subsidies a boon for the budget, reduces pollution 27 February 2014 An alliance of Australia’s leading environment and community organisations has today renewed its call for the Australian Government to cut fossil fuel subsidies. The Federal Government currently spends over $10 billion a year on incentives for … Read More
Fossil fuel stocks increase risk, not returns
Fossil fuel stocks increase risk, not returns New report makes the case for divestment by ethical and responsible investors Sydney, 5 March 2014 Investments in coal, oil and gas increase financial risk without increasing returns, according to a new report aimed at Australian investors such as universities, religious groups and … Read More
Protestors take ANZ’s AGM by storm, highlighting fossil fuel investment risks
BRISBANE, 18 DECEMBER 2013: Shareholders and bank executives will be left in no doubt about the bank’s position as number one financer of coal mines in Australia and its position as the world’s 19th largest climate offender as they made their way into the bank’s AGM today through a group … Read More
Westpac called on to quit fossil fuels at its AGM
Melbourne, 13 December 2013 After two major new coal and gas projects were approved in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area this week, activists have unfurled two giant banners at the Westpac annual general meeting, calling on the bank to end investments in the fossil fuel industry. The 7 … Read More
One hundred customers abandon Commonwealth Bank in fossil fuel protests
One hundred customers abandon Commonwealth Bank in fossil fuel protests 2 November 2013, Melbourne / Sydney / Brisbane / Perth, 2nd November 2013 Over one hundred Commonwealth Bank customers have publicly closed their accounts in protest of the bank’s role as a major lender to the fossil fuel industry. Activities … Read More
ANZ bank run: dozens of customers close their accounts in fossil fuel protest
Media Release: ANZ bank run: dozens of customers close their accounts in fossil fuel protest Melbourne, 26 October 2013 In an Australian first, dozens of ANZ customers collectively closed their accounts in protest of ANZ’s role as a major lender to the fossil fuel industry. Customers formed a queue stretching … Read More
Australian coal projects could be ineligible to receive Chinese finance
Australian coal projects could be ineligible to receive Chinese finance 24 July 2013 Chinese banks have been notified that several Australian-based coal export projects could be ineligible for credit under China’s Green Credit Directive. A letter from international banking sector watchdog BankTrack and Australian environment group Market Forces has been … Read More
Sixty prominent Australians call on ‘big four’ banks to end fossil fuel investment
Melbourne, 28 June 2013 Sixty prominent Australians are calling on the CEOs of the big four banks to stop investing in the fossil fuel industry through an open letter organised by Market Forces and 350.org launched today. Nobel Laureate in Literature John Coetzee, two-time Booker Prize winning author Peter Carey, … Read More