ACT protects students from fossil fuel marketing

Comms Declare Media Release

Australian-first ban on coal, oil and gas sponsorship in schools.

Call for other states to follow suit as they sign new school funding agreements with the Federal Government.

The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory has voted for a Greens motion to ban fossil fuel and gambling companies from sponsoring school programs from next year.

It comes after climate communication charity, Comms Declare, released a national survey which found 56% of parents were against coal, oil and gas companies sponsoring school programs and 87% of parents said they would prefer government funding over fossil fuel companies.

There’s more than 60 fossil fuel-sponsored school programs across the country – which are used to improve the image of the industry and give often one-sided information about energy and climate change.

Comms Declare Founder, Belinda Noble said, “The Capital Territory has again shown its climate leadership and we applaud this decision to free students from the insidious marketing of fossil fuels in classrooms.

“Our schools should be a place where students get the facts on climate change and equip themselves for a new economy – not a place where legacy industries can pretend they are the solution to the problems they are causing.”

“With States signing onto the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, there’s no excuse to allow fossil fuel influence in schools, and it’s time for others to follow the ACT’s lead,” she added.

Burning fossil fuels is responsible for 89% of carbon dioxide pollution causing climate change and air pollution which is responsible for around 11,000 deaths in Australia every year.

 

Dear reader, we need your support

Independent sites such as The AIMN provide a platform for public interest journalists. From its humble beginning in January 2013, The AIMN has grown into one of the most trusted and popular independent media organisations.

One of the reasons we have succeeded has been due to the support we receive from our readers through their financial contributions.

With increasing costs to maintain The AIMN, we need this continued support.

Your donation – large or small – to help with the running costs of this site will be greatly appreciated.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969