Today, on the eve of the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, the fossil fuel divest-invest movement released a new report that details how institutions representing an unprecedented total of EUR 33.7 trillion worth of assets have now committed to some form of fossil fuel divestment, a figure that's higher than the annual GDP of the United States and China combined.
The Dutch government, through its export credit agency Atradius DSB (ADSB), provides export support to companies that undertake activities abroad. The state wants projects it insures to have no negative consequences for people and the environment and therefore sets requirements for corporate social responsibility (CSR). A consultation on CSR policy ran until the end of April, to which a coalition of thirteen social organisations from the Netherlands and abroad, including Both ENDS and Milieudefensie (Friends of the Earth the Netherlands), responded.
On March 25th Both ENDS from 18 - 20h Both ENDS organises a Political Café in het Nutshuis in The Hague. With interesting guests we will debate on Dutch energy and the effects of coal mining in developing countries. It is widely known that coal energy is bad for the environment. What many people don't realise is that Dutch used coal comes mainly from South Africa, Colombia and Indonesia, where mining causes great damage to people and the environment. That is why Both ENDS would like to debate this issue, you are more than welcome to join us!
The Dutch development bank FMO has published a statement about fossil fuels to take steps in climate action. Both ENDS and partners are pleased that FMO is finally taking a stand regarding fossil fuels, but in our opinion it could be more ambitious. In order to really contribute to sustainability and equality, it is essential that development banks stop investing in harmful fossil projects.