Climate change is happening and you can do something about it by divesting.
Divesting is the opposite of investing — it means getting rid of stocks, bonds or investment funds that are unethical or morally ambiguous.
As gofossilfree.org states, it was only a decade ago that tobacco companies were seen as legitimate partners for public institutions. That is no longer the case.
As the non-profit explains, there have been several successful divestment campaigns in recent history, including those targeting violence in Darfur and tobacco advertising.
By encouraging ourselves and others to divest from fossil fuel companies — and invest in a fossil-free future — we send the message that these industries no longer have the social license they require to operate.
In early February, The Guardian reported renowned Australian epidemiologist and public health researcher Fiona Stanley as saying: “Human health and financing fossils fuels are fundamentally incompatible. Institutions that are concerned with protecting and improving people’s health should be doing everything they can to steer our economy away from fossil fuels.”
With the help of social and independent media, we learn how many mining companies, both here and abroad, continue to engage in human rights abuses and environmental degradation. By joining movements such as [email protected] and supporting organizations like miningwatch.ca, we can help protect ourselves, marginalized communities and the environment from destructive mining practices.
Here are some other things you and I can do:
• If you graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution, consider not donating to your alma mater until it commits to divestment — I’ve already asked mine. Here’s a helpful resource for more information: gofossilfree.ca.
• If you have an investment and/or retirement portfolio, request your financial advisor to include only fossil-free funds, stocks and bonds. Clearly state in your account holder’s agreement that there are to be no fossil fuel-related funds (and other funds you deem unethical) in your portfolio. As consumers, our money speaks, so let it speak for positive change. If your investment company is reluctant or unwilling to accommodate your wishes, look for one that is already specializing in fossil-free investments. Ethical funds are becoming much more commonplace.
• If you work in the public sector, probe your pension funds and start requesting wiser investment choices. You may be surprised just how pervasive investing in fossil fuels truly is.
Melissa Chaun of Port Moody is an ecologist with a passion for all things sustainable. She is events co-ordinator with the Rivershed Society of BC, volunteers on various city committees and co-ordinates the monthly meetings for Tri-City Greendrinks. Her column runs monthly.
