LONDON - Britain’s Cambridge University confirmed on March 18 that it has adopted a moratorium on new funding from fossil fuel companies after a campaign from students and academics.

The decision to halt funding until a review is carried out follows recommendations in a report by former UN climate change high-level champion for COP28 Nigel Topping in 2023.

Cambridge said the suspension was adopted on March 15 “having regard to its commitment to address climate change through a transition to a zero-carbon world”.

According to the Topping report, the university receives relatively small donations from industrial partners, amounting to 5.1 per cent of all research and philanthropy funding.

At an average of £3.3 million (S$5.6 million) per year over the last six years, fossil fuel funding amounts to 0.4 per cent of research and philanthropy funding and 0.1 per cent of total university income, it said.

Cambridge’s decision was first reported by the Financial Times on March 18, which said the university had accepted £19.7 million from oil giants BP and Shell between 2016 and 2023.

The university has a target to reach to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2038. It plans to divest from all direct and indirect investments in fossil fuels by 2030.

“The university has recognised the urgency of the climate emergency and taken action to demonstrate leadership,” the Topping report said.

“This includes decisions to divest from fossil fuels in the endowment, commit to science-based targets, launch Cambridge Zero and align sources of funding with the university’s own ambition.” AFP