Leading by Degrees: Universities and Fossil Fuel Divestment

This report begins by outlining the fast growing campus divestment movement, globally and in Australia, and explores the debate about the ‘moral university’ and fossil fuels. It then explores the first national poll to assess public attitudes towards universities’ ethics and investments, conducted following the national controversy around the ANU divestment decision.

The survey data show broad support for universities investing ethically, and for the idea that universities should avoid fossil fuel investments. The data suggest university divestment decisions would attract more support than criticism from the public and alumni.