Blog
Environment and Ethics Officer Report
It's been a busy few weeks!
At the last UGM, YUSU pledged to reduce its carbon carbon emissions by 10% during 2010 as part of the 10:10 campaign. Following that success, our next objective is to get the University to sign up to make a similar pledge. We made the case for the university to adopt '10:10' at an energy coordinators' meeting this week, where we also discussed other environmental concerns regarding our university, such as metering and student access to information on energy usage.
Currently, YUSU does the majority of its banking with the RBS group, which has an appalling environmental record and has been involved in some of the worlds' most damaging fossil fuel extraction projects. Last year, a UGM motion was passed which mandated YUSU officers to investigate options for sustainable banking if RBS had not improved their record over 12 months. After much research, we concluded that RBS's failure to address our key complaints since 2008 meant that move to an alternative bank is required by YUSU policy. YUSU Democracy and Services Officer Lewis Bretts agreed, and a review of alternative banking options is now underway.
On 18th November we held the University of York's Wave for Climate Justice to show politicians that we want the needs of those worst affected by climate change and least able to survive, put first and foremost at the Copenhagen Climate Summit in December. Although the rain made the turnout slightly less than we hoped for it was a great lead-up to the Wave which is taking place in London this Saturday 5th December. This is a landmark demonstration where tens of thousands of people from all walks of life will flow through the streets of London calling on the UK government to show leadership in securing a fair and safe deal at Copenhagen. There is a coach going from the university for £12 return and we'd love lots of people to join us! Email environment@yusu.org for a ticket.
The Environment and Ethics Christmas party is taking place on Tuesday 8th December, week 9 and we have booked the top floor of the Evil Eye Lounge. Although the tickets have sold out anyone without a ticket is still welcome to join us as there will be plenty of room downstairs and we are heading to a club afterwards. Exciting!
That's all for now. If you want to know what we are up to or any information about environmental or ethical issues then email us at environment@yusu.org .
