Divest from Fossil Fuels/Reinvest in Eco-Friendly Investments

Divest from Fossil Fuels and Invest in Companies That are Kind to Our Planet and People

It makes good environmental, moral, and ethical sense to divest fossil fuel investments and reinvest in renewable energy and eco-friendly companies. It's easy to notice that global warming, climate change, and its effect on human life are closely connected, when you think of Hurricane Sandy and the devastation it caused along the east coast of the United States. You probably also recall that thousands died or were injured in the Philippines during Typhoon Haiyan, and have read many Haitians are still homeless and living in tents, in the aftermath of damage caused by hurricane flooding there.

The Weather Channel’s Position Statement on global warming states, “The climate of the earth is indeed warming, with an increase of approximately 1 to 1 1/2 degrees Fahrenheit in the past century, more than half of that occurring since the 1970's. Impacts can already be seen, especially in the Arctic, with melting glaciers, thawing permafrost, and rapid retreat and thinning of sea ice, all of which are affecting human populations as well as animals and vegetation. There and elsewhere, rising sea level is increasing coastal vulnerability. There is evidence in recent years of a direct linkage between the larger-scale warming and shorter-term phenomena such as heat waves and precipitation extremes. The jury is out on exactly what effects global warming is having or will have upon tropical cyclones or tornadoes.” For more see: The Weather Channel Position Statement

Let’s look at global warming from another angle, information from a National Geographic Report about the causes of greenhouse gas.

1.“One of the first things scientists learned is that there are several greenhouse gases responsible for warming, and humans emit them in a variety of ways. Most come from the combustion of fossil fuels in cars, factories, and electricity production. The gas responsible for the most warming is carbon dioxide, also called CO2. Other contributors include methane released from landfills and agriculture (especially from the digestive systems of grazing animals), nitrous oxide from fertilizers, gases used for refrigeration and industrial processes, and the loss of forests that would otherwise store CO2. Different greenhouse gases have different heat-trapping abilities. Some of them can trap more heat than CO2. A molecule of methane produces more than 20 times the warming of a molecule of CO2. Nitrous oxide is 300 times more powerful than CO2. Other gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons (which have been banned in much of the world because they also degrade the ozone layer), have heat-trapping potential thousands of times greater than CO2.” However, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is so great that this is the element that makes weather more extreme. Read the full National Geographic Report here: National Geographic Report

2. Since the main source of fuel used in the U.S. today is derived from fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal, it follows that a reduction in fossil fuel use will result in less carbon dioxide polluting our atmosphere.

Now, here are ways you can be part of the solution.

There’s a special event that’s taking place Feb 13-14, 2015 and you’re invited. Join with people from spots all over the world who are fed up with escalating fossil fuel production and pollution from CO2 Emissions and don’t want to take it anymore!

Take part in Fossil Fuel Divestment Day. Make a tangible economic statement in a world-wide effort to stop global warming by divesting from those investments in your pension plan, IRA’s, or brokerage accounts that are made up of fossil fuel companies. Then, reinvest your money in sustainable companies that don’t pollute or leave giant carbon footprints.

Here's Help for Sustainable Investment Choices.

For the Individual Investor

Roadmap of Ways to Divest/Invest

* See US SIF – The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, a US membership association for professionals, firms, institutions and organizations engaged in sustainable, responsible, and impact investment  USSIF.org

* Pray with others and rally to divest/reinvest. Group efforts create positive energy to support this cause. Gather together and feel a sense of community and sharing. Carry signs and banners, and get publicity by contacting the media. Show your community, politicians, big business, policy makers, and the public that you want fossil fuel to be replaced with solar, wind, and other sustainable energy sources. The organizers of this movement have set the goal to eventually make fossil fuels part of our past history.

* Go a step further and work to pass laws prohibiting fracking, stop the Keystone XL Pipeline, and vote in favor of legislation that limits the amount of fossil reserves companies can store. The smoke and discharge from fossil fuel factories destroy fragile ecosystems, can possibly create dangerous, explosive situations, is bad for your health, and spoils natural resources. Big oil, gas, and coal do not need to stockpile resources, because those on hand already surpass realistic future energy needs. According to OXFAM, “If the world is to avoid exceeding dangerous global warming of 2°C, up to 80 percent of known fossil fuel reserves need to stay in the ground.” See OXFAM

* Be vocal and communicate with friends, neighbors, and civic groups about global divestment/sustainable investments to keep the ball rolling. Efforts by various individuals, religious groups, environmental organizations, college students, pension plans, cities, counties, and countries are part of the Divestment Movement. It is only the beginning. Consider holding a Divest/Invest Party, rally, workshop, meeting and the like. For hints about how to do that, look at Divest/Invest Party

* Be smart and be kind. Reduce your own carbon footprint by walking more and driving less, using public transportation or car-pooling, and reducing your reliance on fossil fuels by installing a sustainable source of energy to heat and cool your home, help those less fortunate to become self-sustaining, and conserve, recycle, and reuse products so new ones won't have to be made by fossil-fueled factories.

Here’s a sample of those who have already committed to the goal of Divest/Invest:

1. Archbishop Desmond Tutu calls the destruction of the earth's environment the Human Rights Challenge of our Time. See a video about his view at Desmond Tutu Video

2. Ten U.S. Cities Divest from Fossil Fuel Investments. They are Seattle, WA, Madison, WI; Bayfield WI; Ithaca, NY; Boulder, CO; Rochester, MN; Eugene, OR; Richmond, CA; Berkeley, CA; and San Francisco, CA. 

3. Norwegian Sovereign Wealth (oil) Fund has divested from a total of 22 companies on February 6, 2015 as the result of pressure from Norway’s parliament, who stated those companies are a high risk to climate. Global Divestment Day on the 13 and 14 of February comes at the perfect time to increase the pressure on institutions such as the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth fund to commit to full divest from fossil fuels. See in-depth article @ http://goo.gl/Jhc6p4

4. The Church of Sweden has announced complete divestment from fossil fuels by ridding itself of its remaining holdings in gas companies. Its assets of $691,292,490 are now completely fossil-free. More @ http://goo.gl/kLWbLv

5. Several member churches of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Churches of Christ have divested, as well as the Minnesota United Church of Christ. See more at United Churches of Christ

6. The counties of San Francisco, CA and Dane County, WI have divested.

7. A growing number of Universities and Colleges have divested in fossil fuels after student activists demonstrated or led campaigns at Hampshire College, MA, Naropa University, CO, Prescott College, AZ, San Francisco State University Foundation, CA, Sterling College, KS, and Unity College ME. For the latest on this see Universities and College Pledge to Divest

8. The World Council of Churches (WCC), consisting of over 300 churches and representing half a billion Christians worldwide, has decided to pull its investments out of fossil fuels. See more at: WCC

9. The Entire Unitarian Church Voted to Divest from Fossil Fuels.

10. Newark Episcopal Church 2015 Convention Resolution to Divest from Fossil Fuel and Invest in Sustainable Energy concludes they will divest. “It is immoral to profit from an industry whose core business creates climate change and whose financial and political influence has prevented climate change legislation.” See more at 

Episcopal Diocese of Newark

11. Karen H., who is a member of an Episcopalian Congregation in Arizona, says “My spirit is calling me to speak out about this moral issue. People are suffering as a result of climate change, like those who are homeless as a result of the typhoon in the Philippines. How can I speak to peoples’ hearts so they will make the connection between their investments in fossil fuels and the consequences of their actions on families today and for generations to come?”

I believe the time is ripe for us to align our values with our investments. Economic decisions and choices can serve us financially as well as serve a greater good. Sustainable energy is a growing industry, one where advances in technology have made renewable sources of energy more affordable, more readily available, and an earth-friendly way to contribute to the greening of our planet.

Are you willing to contact your Senators, Congress people, and the U.S. President to ask for a moratorium on increased fossil fuel development? My view is that further development is unacceptable and unconscionable. Are you in favor of state and national bills and laws that support sustainable, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and thermal power in public buildings, offices, and the like? Will you raise you voice in support and invest in those companies that don’t contribute to climate change? Will you join with others around the world to divest fossil fuel holdings and invest in sustainable energy instead? As a human being and world citizen, listen to your conscience and make the right choice for you.

This post has been shared at Live It Up at the Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural “Party” Blog Hop #53

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Before you go, take a moment to comment. Will you join this cause? What greener choices are you making in your life? Please share about that. If you have questions about this topic, please let me know. Speak with your financial planner and educate yourself before you make any investment.
If you feel I’ve provided useful information, please share a link to this blog and credit with my name, Nancy Andres. Here’s my Pinterest Page and Facebook Page.

I offer this blog to you to encourage you to look at both your values and your thought process. Remember you have options about investments and other lifestyle actions. Please consider eco-friendly alternatives. Help take this step and contribute to a world wide effort to save our precious planet.

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. Why not order a copy of Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, and Bliss? It makes a great gift idea for a loved one or yourself, because this journal is colorful, unique, and its activities help women feel more joy in daily living. Wishing everyone a marvelous Valentine's Day. Love from me to you!

Quotation for today: "Be loving to yourself. Your happiness depends on it." Nancy Andres

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