Greta Thunberg pulls out of appearance at Edinburgh International Book Festival in fossil fuel money row as she accuses event sponsor of ‘greenwashing’

• Greta Thunberg was due to speak at an event on August 13 but has pulled out
• She said the event’s sponsor Baillie Gifford invests ‘heavily’ in fossil fuels 

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has cancelled an appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, accusing the sponsors of ‘greenwashing’.

She was due to speak at an event on August 13 but has pulled out in protest over sponsor Baillie Gifford, an investment management firm she claims invests ‘heavily’ in fossil fuels.

The 20-year-old said: ‘Greenwashing efforts by the fossil fuel industry, including sponsorship of cultural events, allow them to keep the social licence to continue operating.

‘I cannot and do not want to be associated with events that accept this kind of sponsorship.’ 

Baillie Gifford is one of the main sponsors of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, with a number of events – including one with former prime minister Gordon Brown – taking place at venues carrying the firm’s name.

Greta Thunberg (pictured) has cancelled an appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, accusing the sponsors of ‘greenwashing’

Baillie Gifford is one of the main sponsors of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, with a number of events taking place at venues carrying the firm’s name

The company claimed only 2 per cent of its clients’ money is in oil and gas.

A spokesman said: ‘This compares to the market average of 11 per cent. Of those companies, some have already moved most of their business away from fossil fuels, and many are helping to drive the transition to clean energy.

READ MORE: Greta Thunberg dodges jail despite being found guilty of disobeying cops after blocking an oil depot – as she defiantly tells court her actions were ‘justifiable’

‘We are investing on behalf of our clients to grow their savings and retirement funds.

‘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. Currently, 5 per cent of our clients’ money is invested in companies whose sole purpose is to develop clean energy solutions.’ 

They added: ‘We believe in open debate and discussion which is why we are long-term supporters of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.’

Festival director Nick Barley said he was ‘disappointed’, but added: ‘I fully respect her decision.’

Mr Barley also sought to defend the event sponsors, saying: ‘However, in applauding Greta for standing by her principles, we too must stand by ours.

‘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.

Greta was due to speak at an event on August 13 but has pulled out in protest over sponsor Baillie Gifford, an investment management firm she claims invests ‘heavily’ in fossil fuels

‘We strongly believe that Baillie Gifford are part of the solution to the climate emergency.’ 

They added: ‘They are early investors in progressive climate positive companies, providing funds to help them grow.

‘While they acknowledge there is still work to do, we have seen them make rapid progress throughout our 19-year relationship.’

The director apologised to those who had bought tickets to the event at the Edinburgh Playhouse, and promised refunds.

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