Electrifying
FIVE STUDENTS STRIPPED half-naked outside the Bod on Saturday, as part of a campaign for the University to switch to green electricity.
Members of the Oxford Switch to Green Coalition lay down and 'swam' on the pavement in order to demonstrate the impact which global warming could have upon Oxford.
Around one hundred other protestors were also present, carrying a variety of banners and props, including a giant inflatable dolphin. Ed Davey, the organiser of the protest and Co-Chair of People and Planet, told the Oxford Student that it had been intended to emphasise the fact that "all around the world people are suffering at the hands of climate change and at some time in the future Oxford will also be under threat." He stated that he was "pleased that so many people arrived", but that the only real achievement would lie in introducing a change in the University's policy.
At present, the University emits 35,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year; switching to green would make it one of the top five users of renewable energy sources in Europe.
Oxford City Council made the change two years ago, as have several other UK universities, including Edinburgh. The protestors were keen to emphasise that switching to renewable energy sources would contribute to "maintaining the University's international reputation."
The University have responded to the campaign by saying that, whilst it will "examine the possibility of acquiring electricity from 'green' sources", such sources do not appear at present to be a "cost-effective choice."
The university's group of bursars are not due to make a decision on future energy supply until December, but the protestors believe that they are already making an impact. After 'swimming' for a few minutes, Matt Sellwood, a first-year at New College said: "I think I'm going to die of pneumonia, but hopefully it'll be worth it."
31st Jan 2002