The Society of Authors (SoA) announced that it will convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on May 2 to deliberate on two crucial resolutions proposed by Fossil Free Books regarding fossil fuel divestment and the situation in Gaza. This historic EGM has been spurred by concerns from within the literary community about the ecological crisis and the recent events in Gaza.

Fossil fuel divestment: a call for industry change

One of the resolutions to be voted on calls for the books industry to sever its financial ties with fossil fuels. The proposal has gained traction among SoA members, with 31 of them bringing it to the table. The organisation said it “recognises the climate and ecological emergencies and believes that there can be no more new investments in fossil fuels if we want a liveable future. We support calls from Fossil Free Books for a books industry free from fossil fuel finance.”

The statement highlights the unique position of authors and educators in addressing climate change, especially in light of book festival sponsors like Baillie Gifford, known for their investments in fossil fuel companies.

Read: Edinburgh Book Festival urged by 50 authors to drop sponsors

A spokesperson for Fossil Free Books, a campaign by literary industry workers set up after last year’s festival, said in February: “Baillie Gifford’s investments in Petrobras and other major fossil fuel companies such as the Chinese National Offshore Oil Company facilitate immense harm to communities around the world.”

Focusing on Gaza: a push for solidarity

The second resolution, backed by 66 members, urges the SoA to address the recent conflict in Gaza, bringing attention to the absence of an official statement from the organisation since the October 7 attacks in Israel and the ensuing bombardment of Gaza.

Supporters of this resolution, including authors Megan Nolan, Sunny Singh, and Nikesh Shukla, seek a SoA stance that acknowledges the thousands of casualties, the suppression of Palestinian authors, and the destruction of Palestinian cultural sites, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and solidarity with Palestine.

EGM’s role in social and environmental advocacy

In a joint statement from Fossil Free Books and Book Workers for Palestine on the Society of Authors, they said the resolutions on Gaza and fossil fuels are connected: “We bring these two motions together because cross-movement solidarity makes us stronger and because climate justice and freedom for Palestine are intertwined.

“History shows us we are most powerful when we act collectively. Now is the time. We cannot let our trade union be silent on genocide.”

The grassroots groups have encouraged all eligible members, including authors, illustrators, and translators, to participate in the voting process scheduled for May 2. They are also promoting active engagement through social media to spread awareness about the EGM, which is open to full members, although associate members are also invited to register and attend.

While only full members have voting rights and can propose resolutions, the SoA encourages all members – including associate members – to register and join the meeting.The EGM is free to attend but attendees must register in advance online via the booking form, or complete and return a registration form to Head of Events, Society of Authors, 24 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4EH.