A seismic shift in UK higher education has seen eight more universities cut ties with fossil fuel companies, joining an ever-growing list of institutions taking a stance against the industry's role in exacerbating the climate crisis. This significant increase takes the total number of universities adopting this stance to 18 – representing a staggering 80% rise from last year – and means that 12% of the UK's higher education sector now declines to advertise roles with fossil fuel companies to its students, according to analysis by People and Planet.
The findings come from the latest league table compiled by climate justice organisation People and Planet, which ranks 147 UK universities based on 14 criteria related to climate and social justice. Campaigners view this development as a crucial step towards a just transition away from fossil fuels, arguing it helps redirect graduates from an industry deemed responsible for exacerbating the climate crisis.
Campaigner Josie Mizen welcomed the growing number of universities taking action, highlighting the importance of ending the funneling of graduates into what she described as a 'dead-end industry'. Manchester Metropolitan University maintained its position as overall winner for a record fourth consecutive year, praised for its consistent high performance across all categories. The university notably scored highly for its energy sources and carbon reduction efforts following a substantial investment in heat decarbonisation retrofit project.
The analysis also revealed a rise in universities supporting migrant rights, with 13 institutions divesting from private companies profiting from controlling, surveilling, and preventing the movement of people seeking sanctuary – up from six last year. Co-director of migrant justice Andre Dallas attributed this change to pressure from student groups nationwide.
Newer universities have demonstrated leadership in sustainability, with eight featuring in the top ten places. These institutions have often been early adopters of progressive actions, including ending recruitment links with fossil fuel companies and divesting from the border industry. In contrast, only three Russell Group universities achieved a 1st class award this year – down from six two years ago.