A COALITION of climate campaigners have picketed a pension conference as they call for funds to ditch fossil fuel investments.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association’s (PLSA) investment conference in Edinburgh on this morning, in a bid to persuade the £1.3 trillion industry to fight climate change. 

Campaigners called on delegates to conduct climate risk assessments on any potential investments, encourage governments globally to push for a swifter transition away from carbon — and ditch the £88 billion pension funds have invested in the oil and gas sector.

Retired accountant and Divest Lothian activist Joan Forehand warned “pension fund managers have their heads in the sand when it comes to climate risk. 

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Sally Clark added: “They are responsible for our futures — but if they keep investing in fossil fuels, we won’t have a liveable planet or positive future to retire into.

“The money moved away from fossil fuels could instead be invested in ways that support local communities and protect the planet for everyone.”

PLSA director of policy and advocacy Zoe Alexander said: “Nearly all savers will now be in a fund that has made a commitment to net zero.

“We are committed to working with members to help them achieve their net-zero goals, by seeking policy change where needed, encouraging collaboration across the sector — and being at the forefront of the considerations on how the finance sector can respond to the climate emergency.”