Shropshire Council passed the divestment motion at its full meeting on 16 July 2020. The motion calls for Shropshire County Pension Fund to divest itself from fossil fuels within three years amid the climate emergency. This result followed awareness raising activities by the grassroots coalition Fossil Free Shropshire. Over 200 local people lobbied councillors and Pensions Committee members to support divestment for ethical and financial reasons. Telford & Wrekin Borough Council also agreed to write to the pension fund's trustees on this issue.

The Pensions Committee, which includes representatives of Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin councils but is independent, met on 24 July 2020. It had not then received the letter from Shropshire Council's executive officially communicating the Council's resolution on divestment. The Pensions Committee will next meet on 18 September 2020. Fossil Free Shropshire will continue to press the case for divestment, as action to address global heating becomes ever more urgent.

Thanks to everyone who joined journalist John Vidal for insights and discussion on climate and biodiversity in Shrewsbury on May Day (01 May 2019). John examined the global environmental challenges that we face, ahead of the publication of the IPBES Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

Some thoughts to take away...
Climate change and biodiversity loss both matter massively.
It is not just a climate emergency, it is an ecological emergency.
The UK is responsible for significant historical CO2 emissions beginning with the industrial revolution.
Environmental defenders around the world can face arrest or even murder.
We must allow nature to heal itself.
Let's talk about protection rather than destruction.
Positive initiatives include Africa's Great Green Wall, Pakistan's Billion Tree Tsunami, divestment from fossil fuels.
We do have the answers. We need lots of optimism.
In the words of Greta Thunberg, activism works - let's act.
Transformative change must be inclusive.
The UK will host COP26, the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in 2020.

J. B. tweeted:
"Just starting with @GretaThunberg clip at #ShrewsburyClimateTalk with @john_vidal."

S. M. tweeted:
"Lively discussion in Shrewsbury with @john_vidal."

J. A. tweeted:
"Great talk by @john_vidal this evening, to packed house. He shared eloquent words from the amazing @GretaThunberg, reminded us of the historic responsibilities of the UK and the broader ecological crisis. Mostly older group, but last word went to a young woman. Change is coming!"