Groups campaigning for a switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy across Europe have welcomed the decision by the British Medical Association, which represents medical doctors, to end its investment in fossil fuel companies.

Grassroots climate campaigners at 350.org said the move "provides a huge boost to the fossil fuel divestment campaign lifting off across Europe."

The BMA's decision is said to be the first time such an organisation has publicly pulled support fossil fuel companies anywhere in the world. The Association has opted to reinvest in renewable energy. However, city authorities, religious groups and universities have all divested their interests in fossil fuels.

Hugh Montgomery, director of the UCL Institute for Human Health and Performance and one of the most senior and respected figures in the UK health profession, commented "Doctors have long recognised that it is wrong to treat smoking-related diseases whilst investing in the tobacco industry. This vote makes a similar statement in relation to fossil fuel investments and the immediate and grave threats to human health posed by climate change."