DIVESTMENT FROM FOSSIL FUELS crucial for eliminating fossil fuel burning ASAP

"DIVESTMENT FROM FOSSIL FUELS" records expert opinion favoring Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against the climate criminals who are hell-bent on destroying the planet for short-term private profit. For user convenience this compendium of expert opinion is organized alphabetically.

THE PROBLEM.

The World is facing a climate emergency due to global warming from man-derived greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution. The atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is now 400 parts per million (ppm) and increasing at 2.4 ppm per year. Until recently the atmospheric CO2 concentration was in the range of 180-300 ppm for the last 800,000 years, fluctuations in this range giving rise to successive glacial and inter-glacial periods that imposed selection pressures upon evolving humanity. The average surface temperature is now +0.8C above that in 1900 and this has already been associated with major climate, weather and biological disruptions. Indeed the species extinction rate is now 100-1,000 timers greater than normal. [1].

Both Dr James Lovelock FRS (Gaia hypothesis) and Professor Kevin Anderson ( Director, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Manchester, UK) have recently estimated that only about 0.5 billion people will survive this century due to unaddressed, man-made global warming. Noting that the world population is expected to reach 9.5 billion by 2050 (UN Population Division) , these estimates translate to a Climate Genocide involving deaths of 10 billion people this century, this including roughly twice the present population of particular mainly non-European groups, specifically 6 billion under-5 year old infants, 3 billion Muslims in a terminal Muslim Holocaust, 2 billion Indians, 1.3 billion non-Arab Africans, 0.5 billion Bengalis, 0.3 billion Pakistanis and 0.3 billion Bangladeshis. [2].

Collective, national responsibility for this already commenced Climate Genocide is in direct proportion to per capita national pollution of the atmosphere with greenhouse gases (GHGs). Indeed, fundamental to any international agreement on national rights to pollute our common atmosphere and oceans should be the belief that “all men are created equal”. However reality is otherwise: “annual per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution” in units of “tonnes CO₂-equivalent per person per year” (2005-2008 data) is 0.9 (Bangladesh), 0.9 (Pakistan), 2.2 (India), less than 3 (many African and Island countries), 3.2 (the Developing World), 5.5 (China), 6.7 (the World), 11 (Europe), 16 (the Developed World), 27 (the US) and 30 (Australia; or 54 if Australia’s huge Exported CO₂ pollution is included). [2].

Basically we know what the problem is (man-made GHG pollution) and how to solve it. Fundamentally, as enunciated by 300.org, we need to reduce atmospheric CO2 concentration to about 300 ppm for a safe planet for all peoples and all species. [3].

To achieve 300 ppm CO2 we must achieve the following [4]:

1. Change of societal philosophy to one of scientific risk management and biological sustainability with complete cessation of species extinctions and zero tolerance for lying.

2. Urgent reduction of atmospheric CO₂ to a safe level of about 300 ppm as recommended by leading climate and biological scientists.

3. Rapid switch to the best non-carbon and renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, wave, tide and hydro options that are currently roughly the same market price as coal burning-based power) and to energy efficiency, public transport, needs-based production, re-afforestation and return of carbon as biochar to soils coupled with correspondingly rapid cessation of fossil fuel burning, deforestation, methanogenic livestock production and population growth.

We understand the problem and have the technological solutions – the impending catastrophe simply does not have to happen. Are we going to be able to overcome the current political stasis and act before it is too late for Humanity and the Biosphere? Is it too late? Are we all doomed?

Professor Jorgen Randers (professor at the Norwegian Business School BI and co-author of The Limits to Growth in 1972, the Report to the Club of Rome, and its two sequels; his most recent book, published in May 2012, is 2052 - A Global Forecast for the Next Forty Years, also a report to The Club of Rome; see: http://www.climatecodered.org/2012/11/systematic-short-termism-climate.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ClimateCodeRed+%28climate+code+red%29 ): “I am a climate pessimist. I believe (regrettably) that humanity will not meet the climate challenge with sufficient strength to save our grandchildren from living in a climate-damaged world. Humanity (regrettably) will not make what sacrifice is necessary today in order to ensure a better life for our ancestors forty years hence. The reason is that we are narrowly focused on maximum well-being in the short term. This short-termism is reflected in the systems of governance that we have chosen to dominate our lives: Both democracy and capitalism place more emphasis on costs today that on benefits forty years in the future. The global result of this human myopia is described in my book 2052 – A Global Forecast for the Next Forty Years, a report to the Club of Rome commemorating the forty year anniversary of The Limits to Growth. The 2052 book forecasts a world of plus 2°C in 2050, and the likelihood of run-away climate change in the second half of the 21st century. Its website www.2052.info gives the statistical detail… In sum, I don’t believe that the free market, regulation, political leadership, or public education will solve the climate problem in time. Capitalism is unable to handle this long term challenge, and democratic society is unwilling to modify the market. In my view, we need something stronger, something that can counter the root problem: Man’s short-term nature. His tendency to disregard the long term consequences of current action. What can be done? Can democratic society be modified to solve the climate challenge? Eco-dictatorship may be to go too far. But something is needed to temper the short-termism of the nation state, probably something at the supranational level. For example a global central bank for climate gas emissions, introduced through democratic means – like the normal central banks. This is easier said than done. But still necessary. Otherwise, I predict, it will be the Chinese who solve the global climate challenge - singlehandedly. Through a sequence of 5-year plans established with a clear long term vision, and executed without asking regular support from the Chinese. They are already well on the way, for the benefit of our grandchildren.” [5, 6].

KEY SOLUTIONS TO THE POLITICAL STASIS & CLIMATE CHANGE INACTION.

The Western democracies have become Murdochracies, Lobbyocracies and Corporatocracies in which Big Money buys people, politicians, parties, policies, public perception of reality and political power. This transformation has crippled effective action against climate change.

Some key strategies that should be adopted by decent people around the world are (a) to urge and apply Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against all people, politicians, parties, candidates, countries and corporations involved in man-made climate change and (b) to inform everyone they can about the worsening climate emergency and the need for urgent action.

Successful –isms and –ists have an ABC strategy involving Accountability (negative feedback for non-adherence), Badge (symbol) and Credo (brief statement of position). Environmental-ism requires (A) accountability e.g. holding people, politicians, parties, candidates, countries and corporations accountable by boycotts, divestment, sanctions, exposure and scorn, (B) wearing a badge at all times (e.g. “300 ppm CO2”) and (C) a simple credo e.g. “For a safe planet for all peoples and all species we must urgently return the atmospheric CO2 from the present 400 ppm CO2 to the safe and sustainable pre-industrial 300 ppm CO2”[7].

Divestment from fossil fuels is an important way individuals, religious organizations, social organizations in general (e.g. societies, unions) , institutions (e.g. universities), superannuation funds, pension funds, companies and indeed local, state and federal governments can take concrete action against man-made climate change that is threatening the Biosphere and Humanity. We are all morally obliged to divest from companies involved in fossil fuel exploitation and which are hell-bent on destroying the planet for short-term private profit.

The world's terminal GHG pollution budget, that must not be exceeded if we are to have a 75% chance of avoiding a catastrophic 2C temperature rise, is 600 Gt CO2 [1]. The fossil fuel industry intends to exploit its stock exchange-listed reserves of 762 GtCO 2 that is approximately a quarter of the world's total reserves of 2,795 Gt CO2 on combustion. However historical GHG pollution since the start of the Industrial Revolution has now brought us to the point at which an estimated 50 Gt of methane (CH4) is predicted to be released from the East Siberian Arctic Shelf in coming decades [6]. GHG pollution equivalent 5,250 Gt CO2-equivalent, 9 times greater than the world's terminal GHG pollution budget.. The Biosphere and thence Humanity are doomed unless this gigantic methane release can be prevented. Accordingly , we must urgently cease fossil fuel exploitation.”

[1]. Dr Gideon Polya ,“Climate change course”, 2011: https://sites.google.com/site/300orgsite/2011-climate-change-course .

[2]. “Climate Genocide”: https://sites.google.com/site/climategenocide/ .

[3]. 300.org: https://sites.google.com/site/300orgsite/ .

[4]. “Climate crisis facts and required actions”, Yarra Valley Climate Action Group: https://sites.google.com/site/yarravalleyclimateactiongroup/climate-crisis-facts-required-actions .

[5]. Jorgen Randers, “Systematic short-termism: Climate, capitalism and democracy”, Climate Code red, 2012: http://www.climatecodered.org/2012/11/systematic-short-termism-climate.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ClimateCodeRed+%28climate+code+red%29 .

[6]. "Are we doomed?: https://sites.google.com/site/300orgsite/are-we-doomed .

[7]. Gideon Polya, "100 ideas for climate change activists trying to save the Biosphere and Humanity", Countercurrents, 10 August 2013: http://www.countercurrents.org/polya100813.htm .

This alphabetically-organized website records the opinions of leading scientists and writers on application of Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against the climate criminals destroying the Biosphere (note that his website also has a Postscript recording those opposed to Divestment from Fossil fuels).

300.org - return atmosphere CO2 to 300 ppm & divest from fossil fuels.

300.org: “300.org exists to inform people about the Climate Emergency and the need to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) concentration to a safe and sustainable level of about 300 ppm.

The fundamental position of 300.org is that “There must be a safe and sustainable existence for all peoples and all species on our warming-threatened Planet and this requires a rapid reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration to about 300 parts per million”.

300.org urges the World to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration (CO₂) to about 300 parts per million (ppm). In urging a target of an atmospheric CO₂ concentration of 300 ppm, 300.org is informed by the advice of top world climate scientists as set out in carefully researched and documented presentations on this site (see Sitemap).” [1].

300.org: “Divest from fossil fuels”. [2].

[1]. 300.org: https://sites.google.com/site/300orgsite/Home .

[2]. 300.org, “Divest from fossil fuels”: https://sites.google.com/site/300orgsite/divest-from-fossil-fuels .

350.org – join the Fossil Free Divestment Movement.

350.org says that we must reduce atmospheric CO2 to no more than 350 ppm (see: http://350.org/ ).

350.org on "fossil free divestment" : “We’re jumpstarting a new movement, and we need your help.

It’s simple math: we can emit 565 more gigatons of carbon dioxide and stay below 2°C of warming — anything more than that risks catastrophe for life on earth. The only problem? Burning the fossil fuel that corporations now have in their reserves would result in emitting 2,795 gigatons of carbon dioxide – five times the safe amount.

Fossil fuel companies are planning to burn it all — unless we rise up to stop them. In November 2012, Bill McKibben and 350.org hit the road to build a movement strong enough to change the terrifying math of the climate crisis. The Do the Math Tour was a massive success, with sold out shows in every corner of the country.

The USA tour is now over, but the campaign it launched is just getting started and the tour has gone global.

Join the Fossil Free Divestment Movement at www.GoFossilFree.org .” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Do the math tour”, 2012 : http://math.350.org/ .

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND ANGLICAN DIOCESE will divest from fossil fuels. .

The New Zealand Anglican Church’s Episcopal News Service (ENS)(2013): “The Diocese of Auckland has decided to divest from the fossil fuels industry – the first institutional body in New Zealand to do so.

On the final day of its annual meeting September 7, the Diocesan Synod voted overwhelmingly to support a motion calling on the diocese to withdraw its investments from companies whose main business is the extraction and/or production of fossil fuels.

The decision is a landmark event for environmental action in New Zealand.

The diocese thus becomes the first body in New Zealand to join the global divestment movement initiated by the international climate action organization, 350.org.” [1].

The New Zealand Anglican Church’s Episcopal News Service (ENS)(2013): “The dioceses of Wellington and Waiapu have voted to remove all of their investments in companies that extract or produce fossil fuels.

The Wellington decision came at the annual synod in Palmerston North last weekend and follows a similar decision by the Diocese of Auckland earlier this month.

Wellington diocese says the church is concerned about the effect of carbon emissions on climate change and also about the long-term health of investments in the fossil fuel industry.

Its share holdings will be divested within the next two years.” [2].

[1]. The New Zealand Anglican Church’s Episcopal News Service (ENS)(2013), “Auckland diocese to divest from fossil fuels”, 10 September 2013: http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/09/10/auckland-diocese-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

[2]. The New Zealand Anglican Church’s Episcopal News Service (ENS), “New Zealand: more dioceses vote to divest from fossil fuels”, 23 September 2013: http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/09/23/new-zealand-more-dioceses-vote-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

AUSTRALIAN STUDENT ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK (ASEN) urges university divestment from fossil fuels.

Australian Student Environmental Network: “Fossil free universities”. [1].

[1]. Australian Student Environmental Network: http://asen.org.au/ .

BAYFIELD, Wisconsin, USA commits to divestment from fossil fuels.

350.org on 10 US cites perusing fossil fuel divestment (2013): “The Mayor of Seattle [WA], 350.org, and the Mayors Innovation Project announced today that nine mayors and city councils across the country are joining the Mayor of Seattle in urging their cities to divest from the top 200 fossil fuel companies because of the industry’s responsibility for the climate crisis.

“Divestment is just one of the steps we can take to address the climate crisis,” said Mayor Mike McGinn of Seattle, who this November urged the city’s pension fund to divest from the fossil fuel industry and is now encouraging other mayors to do the same. “Cities that do so will be leaders in creating a new model for quality of life, environmental sustainability and economic success. We’ve got a head start on that here in Seattle, but there’s a lot more work to do.”

The other cities who have agreed to pursue divestment include: Madison, WI, Bayfield, WI, Ithaca, NY, Boulder, CO, State College, PA Eugene, OR, Richmond, CA, Berkeley, CA, and San Francisco, CA. In San Francisco, the city’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to urge the city's $16 billion pension fund to divest over $583 million from the fossil fuel industry. Elsewhere, the mayors have agreed to pursue ways to keep their city funds out of fossil fuel companies and urge either their city or state pension fund to divest.

Today’s announcement marked the official launch of the city and state divestment campaign, which is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and 350.org, an international climate campaign.” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Ten U.S. cities commit to pursue fossil fuel divestment”, 350.org: http://350.org/media/city-divestment .

BERKELEY, California, USA commits to divestment from fossil fuels.

Today’s announcement marked the official launch of the city and state divestment campaign, which is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and 350.org, an international climate campaign.” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Ten U.S. cities commit to pursue fossil fuel divestment”, 350.org: http://350.org/media/city-divestment .

BOULDER, Colorado, USA commits to divestment from fossil fuels.

Today’s announcement marked the official launch of the city and state divestment campaign, which is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and 350.org, an international climate campaign.” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Ten U.S. cities commit to pursue fossil fuel divestment”, 350.org: http://350.org/media/city-divestment .

CASTALDO, Peter. Peter Castaldo, Australian climate change activist, urges “snowballing” divestment from fossil fuel companies.

Pter Castaldo, the Melbourne Unitarian Church member who successfully proposed the divestment from fossil fuels by the Melbourne Unitarian Church (2013): “It's a snowball effect that occurs. For me the Uniting Church started that snowball. And although we might be small, we're an organisation with all sorts of connections... Hopefully other churches also take it on. I've heard of several other churches in discussion on the issue and well and I look forward to hearing them start to take action."

[1]. “Unitarian Church divests from fossil fuels”, ABC Environment, 1 August 2013: http://www.abc.net.au/environment/articles/2013/08/01/3816046.htm .

COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels.

Below 350 Massachusetts (2013): “ On Sunday, June 2nd, First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist, voted unanimously at its semi-annual members meeting to divest its holdings in fossil fuels stocks over the next five years. With this vote First Parish Cambridge joined a growing nationwide movement of colleges, religious organizations, and town and state governments that are working to fight global warming by removing the stocks of fossil fuel companies from their portfolios.… Although it is impossible to track all the participation in this movement, other institutions that have voted to divest from fossil fuels include: Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT, Sterling College, Craftsbury Common, VT, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME, Unitarian Universalist South Church, Portsmouth NH, First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City UT, First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, more than a hundred Evangelical Lutheran churches in Oregon, City of Santa Monica, CA. Founded in 1636, First Parish in Cambridge is dedicated to working for justice and building the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream.” [1].

[1]. “First Parish in Cambridge MA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels”, Below 350, 2013: http://350ma.org/2013/06/first-parish-in-cambridge-ma-votes-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND ANGLICAN DIOCESE has voted to divest from fossil fuels.

Coal Action Network, Aotearoa (New Zealand) (2013): “Earlier this month, the Auckland Diocese of the Anglican Church became the first New Zealand institution to decide to divest from fossil fuels – that is, to withdraw investments from companies whose main business is the extraction and/or production of fossil fuels… We’re delighted to report that the four other Anglican dioceses which have been considering divestment motions have also voted to divest from fossil fuels – making 5 out of 5 dioceses that have voted to divest: Auckland, Waiapu, Wellington, Dunedin, and Waikato and Taranaki.” [1].

[1]. “Five out of five Anglican dioceses vote to divest from fossil fuels”, Coal Action Network, Aotearoa, 29 September 2013: http://coalactionnetworkaotearoa.wordpress.com/2013/09/29/five-out-of-five-anglican-dioceses-vote-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

EUGENE, Oregon, USA commits to divestment from fossil fuels.

Today’s announcement marked the official launch of the city and state divestment campaign, which is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and 350.org, an international climate campaign.” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Ten U.S. cities commit to pursue fossil fuel divestment”, 350.org: http://350.org/media/city-divestment .

FOSSIL FREE campaigns for divestment from fossil fuels.

Fossil Free campaigns for divestment from fossil fuels (see: http://gofossilfree.org/about/ ).

Fossil Free: “If it is wrong to wreck the climate, then it is wrong to profit from that wreckage. We believe that educational and religious institutions, city and state governments, and other institutions that serve the public good should divest from fossil fuels.

We want institutions to immediately freeze any new investment in fossil fuel companies, and divest from direct ownership and any commingled funds that include fossil fuel public equities and corporate bonds within 5 years.

200 publicly-traded companies hold the vast majority of the world’s proven coal, oil and gas reserves. Those are the companies we’re asking our institutions to divest from. Our demands to these companies are simple, because they reflect the stark truth of climate science:

- They need immediately to stop exploring for new hydrocarbons.
- They need to stop lobbying in Washington and state capitols across the country to preserve their special breaks.
- Most importantly, they need to pledge to keep 80% of their current reserves underground forever.” [1].

[1]. Fossil Free, “About the Fossil Free campaign” : http://gofossilfree.org/about/ .

FOSSIL FREE AUSTRALIA urges divestment from fossil fuels.

Fossil Free Australia urges divestment from fossil fuels (2013): “Securing a safe climate means that 80% of current fossil fuel reserves must remain in the ground—yet most of our public institutions are invested in these reserves. We believe it’s time to change this. It’s time to move our money out of fossil fuels and into the clean energy economy. Australia is one of the most carbon-intense economies in the world, yet we are rich in renewable energy resources. As members, beneficiaries, and customers of super funds, banks, educational and religious institutions, and governments, each of us can play a powerful role in divesting Australia’s economy from fossil fuels… Go Fossil Free Australia is a national campaign to move public institutions’ and individuals’ money out of fossil fuels and into clean energy. Led by 350.org Australia, we work in partnership with the Australian Student Environment Network to campaign for fossil fuel divestment from universities, the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change to encourage faith-based divestment, The Vital Few to encourage super funds to invest more in the low-carbon economy and Market Forces to pressure our “Big 4” banks to stop funding destructive fossil fuel projects. Join the Fossil Free Australia community today to bring on the clean energy revolution! “[1].

[1]. Fossil Free Australia: http://gofossilfree.org/australia/ .

GREEN MOUNTAIN COLLEGE, Poultney, Vermont, USA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels.

[1]. “First Parish in Cambridge MA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels”, Below 350, 2013: http://350ma.org/2013/06/first-parish-in-cambridge-ma-votes-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

GREENS, AUSTRALIA urge that Australia’s Future Fund should divest from fossil fuels.

The Greens in Australia are pro-peace, pro-environment, pro-equity, pro-human rights but at the 7 September 2013 Australian Federal election secured only about 8% of the vote.

The Greens on why the Australia’s Future Fund should divest from fossil fuels (2013): ” Investing in coal, oil and gas companies is risky business. Either their vast carbon reserves are left responsibly in the ground or they are burned, fuelling catastrophic global warming. Our Future Fund, Australian investment fund for the future, should not be backing risky investment decisions with taxpayers' money. The Fund's board decided to stop investing in tobacco after a campaign spearheaded by our Senator Richard Di Natale. Right now, we estimate that the Future Fund holds around $2 ½ billion of assets in fossil fuels, or around 3% of its portfolio. Investing that money responsibly will be straightforward. Organisations across the United States, and here in Australia, are divesting from fossil fuels. Australia's public Future Fund should do the same.” [1].

[1]. The Greens, “Future Fund out of coal”: http://greens.org.au/future-fund-out-coal .

HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE in Amherst, Massachusetts, USA endorses campaign to divest from fossil fuels.

Michael McDonald Bloomberg (2103): “Students at more than 300 schools in the U.S. have formed groups in the past year seeking to pressure colleges to divest from Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM), BP Plc and about 200 other companies with the largest reserves of oil, gas and coal. While some smaller institutions such as Unity College in Unity, Maine, and Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, endorsed the campaign, most have declined.” [1].

[1]. Michael McDonald, “Harvard won’t divest from fossil fuels, Faust says”, Bloomberg, 4 October 2013: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-03/harvard-fossil-fuels.html .

ITHACA, New York, USA commits to divestment from fossil fuels.

Today’s announcement marked the official launch of the city and state divestment campaign, which is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and 350.org, an international climate campaign.” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Ten U.S. cities commit to pursue fossil fuel divestment”, 350.org: http://350.org/media/city-divestment .

KLEIN - Naomi Klein slams the planet-wrecking fossil fuel industry.

Naomi Klein is a famous Jewish Canadian journalist, author and activist who is very well known for her books and critiques of corporate globalization and human rights abuses (for biography see Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naomi_Klein; see also Naomi Klein website: http://www.naomiklein.org/main ).

Naomi Klein on the terracidal fossil fuel industry (2012): “Lots of companies do rotten things in the course of their business—pay terrible wages, make people work in sweatshops—and we pressure them to change those practices But these numbers make clear that with the fossil-fuel industry, wrecking the planet is their business model. It’s what they do.” [1].

[1]. Naomi Klein, quoted in Bill McKibben, “Divest from fossil fuels, Now”, Sojourners, November 2012: http://sojo.net/magazine/2012/11/divest-fossil-fuels-now .

MADISON, Wisconsin, USA commits to divestment from fossil fuels.

Today’s announcement marked the official launch of the city and state divestment campaign, which is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and 350.org, an international climate campaign.” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Ten U.S. cities commit to pursue fossil fuel divestment”, 350.org: http://350.org/media/city-divestment .

MARKET FORCES believes that the banks, superannuation funds and governments that have custody of our money should use it to protect - not damage - our environment.

Market Forces about itself: “Market Forces believes that the banks, superannuation funds and governments that have custody of our money should use it to protect - not damage - our environment. Our vision is a future where institutions invest with a high degree of respect for the environment, utilising our money to deliver solutions to major environmental issues, and where the community holds to account the custodians of their money to ensure it is used to benefit the environment. Our work will expose the institutions that are financing environmentally destructive projects and help Australians hold these institutions accountable. We will work with the community to prevent investment in projects that would harm the environment and drive global warming... Our success will only come from working with others. Market Forces is proud to be an affiliate project of Friends of the Earth Australia and a member of the BankTrack international network, connecting us with passionate campaigners, environmental issue experts and advocated of environmentally sustainable behaviour from the finance sector.” [1].

[1]. Market Forces: http://www.marketforces.org.au/about.html .

MCKIBBEN – Bill McKibben & 350.org campaign for divestment from fossil fuels.

Bill McKibben, is an American journalist, a leading environmentalist, the Schumann Distinguished Scholar at Middlebury College in Vermont, is founder of 350.org (see: http://sojo.net/magazine/2012/11/divest-fossil-fuels-now ).

Bill McKibben on the 350.org campaign for divestment from fossil fuels (2012): “No, even more than weaning our own lives off coal and gas and oil, we’ve got to convert the system itself, so that renewable energy no longer faces an impossible uphill fight. We’ve got to break the power of the fossil-fuel industry.

So, beginning the day after the election, we’re mounting a 20-cities-in-20-nights roadshow designed to spark a divestment movement as big and insistent as the one that helped bring down the apartheid regime in South Africa. It won’t be easy—college trustees, pension fund boards, and church executives won’t want to divest their fossil-fuel stocks, because they comprise such a large part of the economy.

But this will be the ultimate test of whether we’re going to acquiesce to a future like the one we saw the trailer for this past summer: epic drought; global grain prices up 40 percent; unprecedented Arctic melt. It doesn’t matter if you drive a Prius: If you, or the institution that you’re a part of, makes money off the fossil- fuel industry, then you’re implicated in that destruction. You’re not loving your neighbors, not safeguarding creation. You’re selling them down the river.

And if those institutions sell that stock, it will begin to pressure those companies, make them open to political compromise, slow the headlong rush toward destruction. Right now ExxonMobil spends $100 million a day trying to find more hydrocarbons to burn. That’s the definition of irresponsible. And the definition of why we need to divest from coal and oil and gas. Now.” [1].

[1]. Bill McKibben, “Divest from fossil fuels, Now”, Sojourners, November 2012: http://sojo.net/magazine/2012/11/divest-fossil-fuels-now .

MILWAUKEE First Unitarian Society votes to disinvest from fossil fuels.

[1]. “First Parish in Cambridge MA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels”, Below 350, 2013: http://350ma.org/2013/06/first-parish-in-cambridge-ma-votes-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

NEW ZEALAND ANGLICAN DIOCESES OF AUCKLAND, WAIAPU & WELLINGTON will divest from companies that extract or produce fossil fuels.

The New Zealand Anglican Church’s Episcopal News Service (ENS)(2013): “The dioceses of Wellington and Waiapu have voted to remove all of their investments in companies that extract or produce fossil fuels.

The Wellington decision came at the annual synod in Palmerston North last weekend and follows a similar decision by the Diocese of Auckland earlier this month.

Wellington diocese says the church is concerned about the effect of carbon emissions on climate change and also about the long-term health of investments in the fossil fuel industry.

Its share holdings will be divested within the next two years.” [1].

[1]. The New Zealand Anglican Church’s Episcopal News Service (ENS), “New Zealand: more dioceses vote to divest from fossil fuels”, 23 September 2013: http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/09/23/new-zealand-more-dioceses-vote-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

OPERATION NOAH (UK) calls on churches and the Christian community to disinvest from companies involved in the extraction of fossil fuels

Operation Noah in its own words: “Vision. Operation Noah works for the complete decarbonisation of the British economy by 2030.

Operation Noah is...

· a Christian organisation which provides leadership, focus and inspiration in response to the growing threat of catastrophic climate change endangering God’s creation.

· informed by the science of climate change, motivated to care for creation by our faith and hope in God, and driven by the desire to transform and enrich our society through radical change in lifestyles and patterns of consumption.

· rational regarding scientific insights, responsible in addressing the long term consequences of today’s actions, and radical about future lifestyles” (see: http://www.operationnoah.org/aboutus ).

Operation Noah Press Release on fossil free churches campaign (2013): “ Operation Noah launched their campaign Bright Now: towards fossil free Churches on Friday 20th September 2013.

ON is calling on the churches and Christian community to:

· disinvest from companies involved in the extraction of fossil fuels

· take a leading and influential role in the national debate on the ethics of investment in fossil fuels

· support the development of clean alternatives to fossil fuels through their investment policies.” [1].

[1]. Operation Noah “Press Release: Operation Noah launches Bright Now and calls on churches to divest from fossil fuels”, 20 September 2013: http://www.operationnoah.org/bright_now .

OREGON - more than a hundred Evangelical Lutheran churches vote to disinvest from fossil fuels.

[1]. “First Parish in Cambridge MA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels”, Below 350, 2013: http://350ma.org/2013/06/first-parish-in-cambridge-ma-votes-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

POLYA, Gideon. Dr Gideon Polya urges Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against fossil fuel.

Dr Gideon Polya, Melbourne, Australia, scientist, writer, artist and climate change activist on the need to oppose fossil fuel exploitation (2013): “Cessation of species extinction, unsustainable deforestation and fossil fuel burning means climate activists should urge and apply where practicable Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against all people, politicians, parties, candidates, corporations and countries involved in destruction of the Biosphere – indeed, anything less makes one complicit in ecocide and terracide… Successful –isms and –ists have an ABC strategy involving Accountability (negative feedback for non-adherence), Badge (symbol) and Credo (brief statement of position). Environmental-ism requires (A) accountability e.g. holding people, politicians, countries and corporations accountable by boycotts, divestment, sanctions, exposure and scorn, (B) wearing a badge at all times (e.g., as I do, “300 ppm CO2”) and (C) a simple credo e.g. “For a safe planet for all peoples and all species we must urgently return the atmospheric CO2 from the present 400 ppm CO2 to the safe and sustainable pre-industrial 300 ppm CO2”.” [1].

[1]. Gideon Polya, “100 ideas for climate change activists trying to save the biosphere and humanity”, Countercurrents, 10 August 2013: http://www.countercurrents.org/polya100813.htm .

PORTSMOUTH Unitarian Universalist South Church, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels.

Below 350 Massachusetts (2013): “ On Sunday, June 2nd, First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist, voted unanimously at its semi-annual members meeting to divest its holdings in fossil fuels stocks over the next five years. With this vote First Parish Cambridge joined a growing nationwide movement of colleges, religious organizations, and town and state governments that are working to fight global warming by removing the stocks of fossil fuel companies from their portfolios.… Although it is impossible to track all the participation in this movement, other institutions that have voted to divest from fossil fuels include: Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT, Sterling College, Craftsbury Common, VT, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME, Unitarian Universalist South Church, Portsmouth NH, First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, ore than a hundred Evangelical Lutheran churches in Oregon, City of Santa Monica, CA. Founded in 1636, First Parish in Cambridge is dedicated to working for justice and building the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream.” [1].

[1]. “First Parish in Cambridge MA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels”, Below 350, 2013: http://350ma.org/2013/06/first-parish-in-cambridge-ma-votes-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, USA votes to divest from fossil fuels.

Drew Williams on Providence divestment from fossil fuels (2013): “Providence City Council passed a resolution 11-1 in June that committed the city to divestment from any of its holdings in the top 200 fossil fuel companies in the next five years, making Providence the first capital city in the United States to do so. Councilman Seth Yurdin, Ward 1, lead sponsor of the resolution, said its passage stemmed from the City Council’s concern over the possible environmental dangers fossil fuels present. “Climate change is probably the most important issue that everybody’s facing,” he said. Divestment, which involves withdrawing current investments in fossil fuel companies and committing to discontinue the practice, is seen by many activists as a powerful way to stand up to the fossil fuel industry. Jamie Henn, co-founder and communications director of 350.org, an organization that runs worldwide campaigns to fight climate change, said that while divestment does not immediately hurt fossil fuel companies economically, it does send a political message. Calls for divestment “show that (fossil fuel companies) are morally bankrupt,” he said.” [1].

Drew Williams, “Providence City Council passes resolution divest from coal”, The Brown Daily Herald, 3 October 2013: http://www.browndailyherald.com/2013/10/03/providence-city-council-passes-resolution-divest-coal/ .

QUAKERS (RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS) UK strongly urge disinvestment in fossil fuels.

According to themselves: “Quakers are known formally as the Religious Society of Friends. Around 23,000 people attend nearly 475 Quaker meetings in Britain. Their commitment to equality, justice, peace, simplicity and truth challenges them to seek positive social and legislative change” (see: http://www.quaker.org.uk/news/quakers-disinvest-fossil-fuels ).

The Quakers’ Meeting for Sufferings (their representative decision-making body) meeting in London on 5 October 2013 made the following fully minuted recording of their encouragement to Trustees of Quaker assets to disinvest in fossil fuels (2013) :

“We have considered whether the discernment of Quakers in Britain leads us towards a policy of not investing in fossil fuel extraction. We feel strongly that we should disinvest and hope Trustees will take this into account in their decision making. We want to invest in renewable energy and energy-saving schemes. Action we will take as individuals, as meetings and as Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees should aim to minimise damage and strengthen our advocacy position. We have expressed our difficulties, especially since we all depend in many ways on fossil fuels, but we need to make positive steps towards the change we want to see. We are encouraged to hear that the Trustees are to review their investment policy, and hope our discussion today will feed into it. Local Meetings can engage in these issues, especially during Ethical Investment Week [13 to 19 October].” [1].

[1]. Quaker news release, “Quakers to disinvest from fossil fuels”, 8 October 2013: http://www.quaker.org.uk/news/quakers-disinvest-fossil-fuels .

RICHMOND, California, USA commits to divestment from fossil fuels.

Today’s announcement marked the official launch of the city and state divestment campaign, which is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and 350.org, an international climate campaign.” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Ten U.S. cities commit to pursue fossil fuel divestment”, 350.org: http://350.org/media/city-divestment .

SALT LAKE CITY First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels.

Below 350 Massachusetts (2013): “ On Sunday, June 2nd, First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist, voted unanimously at its semi-annual members meeting to divest its holdings in fossil fuels stocks over the next five years. With this vote First Parish Cambridge joined a growing nationwide movement of colleges, religious organizations, and town and state governments that are working to fight global warming by removing the stocks of fossil fuel companies from their portfolios.… Although it is impossible to track all the participation in this movement, other institutions that have voted to divest from fossil fuels include: Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT, Sterling College, Craftsbury Common, VT, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME, Unitarian Universalist South Church, Portsmouth NH, First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, more than a hundred Evangelical Lutheran churches in Oregon, City of Santa Monica, CA. Founded in 1636, First Parish in Cambridge is dedicated to working for justice and building the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream.” [1].

[1]. “First Parish in Cambridge MA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels”, Below 350, 2013: http://350ma.org/2013/06/first-parish-in-cambridge-ma-votes-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

SAN FRANCISCO, California, USA commits to divestment from fossil fuels.

Today’s announcement marked the official launch of the city and state divestment campaign, which is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and 350.org, an international climate campaign.” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Ten U.S. cities commit to pursue fossil fuel divestment”, 350.org: http://350.org/media/city-divestment .

SANTA MONICA, California, USA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels.

[1]. “First Parish in Cambridge MA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels”, Below 350, 2013: http://350ma.org/2013/06/first-parish-in-cambridge-ma-votes-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

SEATTLE, Washington, USA commits to divestment from fossil fuels.

Today’s announcement marked the official launch of the city and state divestment campaign, which is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and 350.org, an international climate campaign.” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Ten U.S. cities commit to pursue fossil fuel divestment”, 350.org: http://350.org/media/city-divestment .

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania, USA commits to divestment from fossil fuels.

Today’s announcement marked the official launch of the city and state divestment campaign, which is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and 350.org, an international climate campaign.” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Ten U.S. cities commit to pursue fossil fuel divestment”, 350.org: http://350.org/media/city-divestment .

STERLING COLLEGE, Craftsbury Common, Vermont, USA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels.

Below 350 Massachusetts (2013): “ On Sunday, June 2nd, First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist, voted unanimously at its semi-annual members meeting to divest its holdings in fossil fuels stocks over the next five years. With this vote First Parish Cambridge joined a growing nationwide movement of colleges, religious organizations, and town and state governments that are working to fight global warming by removing the stocks of fossil fuel companies from their portfolios.… Although it is impossible to track all the participation in this movement, other institutions that have voted to divest from fossil fuels include: Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT, Sterling College, Craftsbury Common, VT, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME, Unitarian Universalist South Church, Portsmouth NH, First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City UT, First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, ore than a hundred Evangelical Lutheran churches in Oregon, City of Santa Monica, CA. Founded in 1636, First Parish in Cambridge is dedicated to working for justice and building the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream.” [1].

[1]. “First Parish in Cambridge MA votes to disinvest from fossil fuels”, Below 350, 2013: http://350ma.org/2013/06/first-parish-in-cambridge-ma-votes-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels/ .

THE VITAL FEW want disinvestment from anything that jeopardises that future e.g. fossil fuels.

The Vital Few: “In 1995, global stockmarkets were owned mostly by governments and high net worth individuals. By 2010, over 50% (and rising) of global stockmarkets were owned by pension funds. Who owns those pension funds? YOU DO! The Vital Few are a community of people who are being inspired to speak up and take action to make the investments made on their behalf more sustainable. This is the new power of the ‘Citizen Investor’ Switched on to the evasive actions of the pension fund industry, The Vital Few are demanding disclosure and transparency on details about climate risk. They are determined to exercise their rights as pension members to ensure their future prosperity is secured - both financially and environmentally. The Vital Few know who they are and what they want more or less of in the future. They no longer choose to continue accidentally investing in anything that jeopardises that future. They want to make their choices and their money count.” [1].

[1]. The Vital Few: http://www.areyouthevitalfew.org/vision.php .

UNITARIAN CHURCH, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA divests from fossil fuel companies.

ABC Environment report (2013): “The Melbourne Unitarian Church has become the second Australian religious organisation to announce it will no longer invest in fossil fuel companies. The small Melbourne church will sell its shares in fossil fuel companies, and the banks that finance their projects, by the end of the year. Peter Castaldo, the church member who proposed the divestment, said he was inspired by the NSW and ACT branches of the Uniting Church of Australia who announced in April they would ban investment in fossil fuels.” [1].

[1]. “Unitarian Church divests from fossil fuels”, ABC Environment, 1 August 2013: http://www.abc.net.au/environment/articles/2013/08/01/3816046.htm .

UNITING CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA, NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW) BRANCH divests from fossil fuel companies.

[1]. “Unitarian Church divests from fossil fuels”, ABC Environment, 1 August 2013: http://www.abc.net.au/environment/articles/2013/08/01/3816046.htm .

UNITING CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA, AUSTRTALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (ACT) BRANCH divests from fossil fuel companies.

[1]. “Unitarian Church divests from fossil fuels”, ABC Environment, 1 August 2013: http://www.abc.net.au/environment/articles/2013/08/01/3816046.htm .

UNITY COLLEGE, Unity, Maine, USA endorses campaign to divest from fossil fuels.

[1]. Michael McDonald, “Harvard won’t divest from fossil fuels, Faust says”, Bloomberg, 4 October 2013: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-03/harvard-fossil-fuels.html .

US CITIES (10) commit to divestment from fossil fuels.

Today’s announcement marked the official launch of the city and state divestment campaign, which is led by the Mayors Innovation Project and 350.org, an international climate campaign.” [1].

[1]. 350.org, “Ten U.S. cities commit to pursue fossil fuel divestment”, 350.org: http://350.org/media/city-divestment .

US COLLEGE STUDENTS urge college divestment from fossil fuels.

Stephen Mulkey on US college students urging college divestment from fossil fuels (2013): “Doing what is right pays dividends. That is a lesson learned in the weeks and months following Unity College’s divestment from investment in fossil fuels. In 2012, Unity College, an environmental college founded in 1965 by Unity, Maine-area residents became the first college in the United States to divest from investments in fossil fuels. With a modest endowment of $13.5 million, we could not afford to get this wrong. If divesting from investments in fossil fuels produced negative results for us, there would be no lifejacket at the ready -- we would sink, and fast. Far from possessing some special dispensation due to an economy of both the size of our student body and comparatively modest endowment of $13.5 million at the time, Unity had more to lose than large universities… Just weeks after Unity announced its decision to divest, our director of development, Martha Nordstrom, received a call from the Richard David Stutzke Foundation. The foundation, impressed by Unity’s divestment, offered a generous gift. That gift has since transformed into scholarships in perpetuity for students pursuing studies at Unity as part of its sustainable energy management and environmental policy, law, and society programs… Since Unity announced its decision to divest, more than 300 college and university campuses across the United States have seen the development of robust student movements encouraging divestment. Bill McKibben’s organization, 350.org, is leading this effort and encourages any who are interested in divesting to contact them.” [1].

[1]. Stephen Mulkey, “Divestment can pay off”, Inside Higher Ed, 8 October 2013: http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2013/10/08/essay-why-one-college-stopped-investing-fossil-fuels .

WAIAPU, NEW ZEALAND ANGLICAN DIOCESE will divest from fossil fuels. .

The Wellington decision came at the annual synod in Palmerston North last weekend and follows a similar decision by the Diocese of Auckland earlier this month.

Wellington diocese says the church is concerned about the effect of carbon emissions on climate change and also about the long-term health of investments in the fossil fuel industry.

Its share holdings will be divested within the next two years.” [1].

WAIKATO AND TARANAKI, NEW ZEALAND ANGLICAN DIOCESE has voted to divest from fossil fuels.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND ANGLICAN DIOCESE will divest from fossil fuels. .

The Wellington decision came at the annual synod in Palmerston North last weekend and follows a similar decision by the Diocese of Auckland earlier this month.

Wellington diocese says the church is concerned about the effect of carbon emissions on climate change and also about the long-term health of investments in the fossil fuel industry.

Its share holdings will be divested within the next two years.” [1].

POSTSCRIPT RECORDING THOSE OPPOSED TO DIVESTMENT FROM FOSSIL FUELS.

AUSTRALIAN COALITION FEDERAL GOVERNMENT suggests law changes against consumer boycotts of companies involved in anti-social and anti-environmental activities.

After the 7 September 2013 election, Australia got an ultra-conservative Liberal Party-National Party Coalition Federal Government under Prime Minister Tony Abbott. .

Sum-of-US Petition: “The Abbott government wants to make boycotts illegal -- criminalising our ability to hold corporations to account when they jeopardise our health or our environment. We can’t let them get away with this. Sign the petition now to tell the Australian government not to criminalise consumer boycotts. Under the proposed law, it would be illegal to call on another individual or company to boycott a product because it was unsafe or destroying the environment. It's explicitly designed to silence groups like Greenpeace and SumOfUs -- with Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck saying that he is "very concerned" about what environmental groups were doing, and wants to stop them. Landmark campaigns like those that have saved Tasmania's forests and challenged live animal exports would suddenly be illegal. We can't let this attack on free speech and environmental protection go unchallenged. Senator Colbeck hasn't committed to the new law yet -- he's testing the waters to see what reaction he gets. Let's come together now to demand the Abbott government drops this crazy assault on our rights.” [1].

Julian Brezniak and Lewis d’Avigdor (lawyers) on Australian Coalition Governments plans to change consumer laws to make environmental boycotts problematical (2013): “As it stands, the Competition and Consumer Act does not prohibit these “primary boycotts” in most circumstances. Individuals are usually free to agree to not acquire products from companies that, for example, source products from environmentally harmful or morally dubious sources. Only primary boycotts relating to a business that is engaging in international trade are banned – it is currently prohibited for individuals to collectively engage in boycotts that are aimed at disrupting Australian trade. However, the Competition and Consumer Act does prohibit “secondary boycotts”. A secondary boycott occurs when two or more people act together to hinder or prevent a business from acquiring products from or selling products to another business. Secondary boycotts of this nature are not illegal if the ACCC gives an authorisation to conduct one. Secondary boycotts (and primary boycotts affecting international trade) are lawful when the “dominant purpose” of the boycott is for environmental protection or for consumer protection. And it is this exception to the prohibition on secondary boycotts that is at the centre of the public debate about the coalition’s “root and branch” review of Australia’s competition laws. These environmental and consumer protections were included in the Competition and Consumer Act in 1996 as a compromise for support for Howard’s 1996 workplace legislation by Cheryl Kernot and the Democrats in the Senate. It is not clear whether the Coalition will seek to remove only the protection for environmental and consumer activists conducting secondary boycotts. It is possible that the Coalition would also seek to prohibit primary boycotts – an unprecedented restriction.The particularly concerning aspect of the Coalition’s proposal is the chilling effect it may have on public debate.” [2].

[1]. Sum-of US Petition, “Tell Tony Abbott not to ban the boycott”: http://action.sumofus.org/a/abbott-boycotts/?sub=taf .

[2]. Julian Brezniak and Lewis d’Avigdor, “Boycott reforms target environmentalists”, New Matilda, 25 September 2013: https://newmatilda.com/2013/09/25/boycott-reforms-target-environmentalists .

FAUST, Drew. Drew Faust, President of Harvard University, opposes Harvard university divestment from fossil fuels.

Michael McDonald Bloomberg (2103): “Harvard University, the world’s richest school, won’t sell its investments in fossil-fuel companies amid pressure from students, President Drew Faust said in a letter released today. “I do not believe, nor do my colleagues on the Corporation, that university divestment from the fossil fuel industry is warranted or wise,” Faust said in the letter, referring to Harvard Corporation, the school’s governing board. “The endowment is a resource, not an instrument to impel social or political change.” [1].

[1]. Michael McDonald, “Harvard won’t divest from fossil fuels, Faust says”, Bloomberg, 4 October 2013: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-03/harvard-fossil-fuels.html .

HARVARD UNIVERSITY WON’T DIVEST from fossil fuels.

[1]. Michael McDonald, “Harvard won’t divest from fossil fuels, Faust says”, Bloomberg, 4 October 2013: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-03/harvard-fossil-fuels.html .