Greta Thunberg cancels Edinburgh Book Festival look over ‘greenwashing’
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has cancelled an look on the Edinburgh International Book Festival after accusing one of many occasion’s sponsors of “greenwashing”.
The 20-year-old was because of communicate at an event on 13 August however pulled out in protest over sponsors Baillie Gifford, an funding administration agency she claims invests “heavily” in fossil fuels.
The agency have rejected the accusation, saying solely 2% of its shoppers’ cash was put in firms with some enterprise associated to fossil fuels.
The occasion organiser mentioned he “respects” the choice made by the activist, however mentioned he believes Baillie Gifford to be “part of the solution to the climate emergency”.
In an announcement, the campaigner mentioned: “As a local weather activist I can not attend an occasion which receives sponsorship from Baillie Gifford, who make investments closely within the fossil gasoline trade.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg waits for a courtroom listening to in Sweden
Swedish local weather activist Greta Thunberg is lifted away by police in Malmo
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“Greenwashing efforts by the fossil gasoline trade, together with sponsorship of cultural occasions, enable them to maintain the social licence to proceed working.
“I cannot and do not want to be associated with events that accept this kind of sponsorship.”
Baillie Gifford mentioned the proportion of its shoppers’ cash that it invests into fossil fuels compares to the market common of 11%.
A spokesperson mentioned: “When we invest in companies on their behalf, we do so over long time periods, typically 10 years or more, so this has naturally led us away from traditional fossil fuel firms.”
But, in addition they insisted that 5% of their shoppers’ cash was invested “in companies whose sole purpose is to develop clean energy solutions”.
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Festival director Nick Barley mentioned he was “disappointed” however absolutely revered the activist’s determination.
“However, in applauding Greta for standing by her principles, we too must stand by ours,” he mentioned.
“The Book Festival exists to give a platform for debate and discussion around key issues affecting humanity today – including the climate emergency. As a charitable organisation, we would not be in a position to provide that platform without the long-term support of organisations such as Baillie Gifford.
“We strongly consider that Baillie Gifford are a part of the answer to the local weather emergency.”
The director apologised to those that had purchased tickets to the occasion on the Edinburgh Playhouse, and promised refunds.
The environmental campaigner was fined by a Swedish court final week after she admitted disobeying police orders following a protest in Malmo.