New oil, gas or coal expansion is not compatible with goals to limit warming to 1.5°C. Despite this, banks continue to funnel money into the fossil fuel industry, putting our collective future at risk. Banks are an intrinsic part of the problem. In addition to bankrolling climate catastrophe, many of the banks that are used by UK health organisations have come under fire for a range of ethical concerns including human rights, workers’ rights, funding nuclear weapons manufacture, arms and military supply, political activities, anti-social finance and tax misconduct. Many banks are funding the underlying drivers of the climate crisis including limitless growth, colonialism and militarism.

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Health organisations can make a difference by reviewing their financial choices. Moving to an ethical and sustainable bank is an achievable, impactful and financially sensible action that health organisations can take. Breaking ties with banks financing injustice sends a clear message to the finance world - defund fossil fuels.

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We encourage health workers to find out if their membership organisation is bankrolling the climate crisis, and if they are, ask them to switch to a more ethical and sustainable bank. To join a network of health workers campaigning to get their organisations to move to fossil free banks, join the BankBetter WhatsApp group chat here.