Graciela Chichilnisky backs fossil fuel occupation

Household name Dr Graciela Chichilnisky has agreed to speak in favour of Edinburgh’s fossil fuel divestment.

She’s set to deliver a talk at the uni and turn up to support the occupation in Charles Stewart House.

Furious students and staff have blasted gas-guzzling uni chiefs for not divesting from fossil fuels and have since occupied the finance building.

Dr Chichilnisky has agreed to voice her support at a talk at the Buchanan Institute, Scotland’s only student-led think tank.

She was a key member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

“And she’s agreed to make a pitch for the divestment campaign live and in front of some of the university’s top brass.”

In a comment on the post, Jonny also said Dr Chichilnisky will visit the site of the occupation itself.

The EUSA sabbatical officers have also come out in support of the occupation.

In a statement signed by all four sabbs, they assured the occupation had their support.

It read: “As of this morning we were alerted via social media to the occupation of Charles Stewart House by People and Planet, in response to the University’s decision to partially divest from fossil fuel companies and all companies who produce high carbon emissions.

“We are in total agreement with People & Planet’s ultimate aim of full divestment and have always supported their activism in line with this.

“Once again we extend our solidarity to those in occupation and will be visiting with provisions.”

Occupiers have also started to set up camp outside Charles Stewart House.