Thursday 2 July 2020

George Washington University pledges to fully divest from fossil fuels by 2025

George Washington University (GW) has announced it will eliminate all fossil fuel investments from its endowment by 2025.

The university has also committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 and reversing all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions it has produced since its 1821 founding.

It has also created an environmental task force made of trustees, students, alumni, faculty and staff to recommend more measures to increase sustainability.

GW President Thomas LeBlanc said: "With this decisive action, George Washington University demonstrates its leadership in addressing the global threat of climate change.

"In our investments and our operations, we will vigilantly focus on renewable and sustainable practices and industries, keeping the university environmentally and economically sustainable for years to come."

Since 2015, GW has reduced its endowment's investments in fossil fuels by 89%.