Indian oil and gas heir made professor of sustainability at Newcastle University
Summary
Newcastle University appointed Anant Ambani, heir to an Indian oil and gas fortune, as a professor of sustainability. The appointment has caused criticism from conservationists and academics because of Ambani’s links to the fossil fuel industry and his private zoo, which holds many animals including endangered species.Key Facts
- Anant Ambani is the son of Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest person, who made his fortune in oil and gas.
- Ambani leads renewable energy efforts at Reliance Group, a major Indian conglomerate.
- He owns a large private zoo called Vantara with over 150,000 animals, including endangered lions, leopards, and crocodiles.
- Conservationists have questioned the sourcing of some animals at Vantara and criticized the zoo’s ethics.
- Newcastle University said the appointment recognizes Ambani’s work in conservation, biodiversity, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship.
- Several academics and conservation experts expressed concern that Ambani’s appointment damages the university’s credibility.
- Critics worry that billionaire influence could affect the independence of academic research on sustainability.
- Anant Ambani recently launched Vantara University focused on wildlife conservation and veterinary science.
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