A global movement to divest from fossil fuels will get some local impetus with the launch on Thursday of the country's first fossil-free superannuation fund.

The fund, Future Super, aims to secure $1 billion in funds within "the next few years", said Simon Sheikh, a former activist with GetUp! and the fund's co-founder and managing director.

Running out puff for investors? Credit:Paul Jones

"That will send a message to the fossil-fuel industry that their social licence is being taken away from them," Mr Sheikh said.

"There's no doubt that the market is heading in this trajectory."