Faith-based Divestment from Fossil Fuels

A major cause of the climate emergency is the extraction and burning of fossil fuels: coal, gas, and oil. To avoid catastrophic effects of global warming, a zero-carbon economy must be achieved by 2050, but emissions of greenhouse gases are still rising. “Divestment” means that the finances of an institution or individual do not support fossil fuel extraction directly or indirectly, and is now a global movement totaling trillions of dollars. Faith-based institutions are a significant part of this movement, selling assets related to the fossil fuel industry and also committing not to invest in them in future. Divestment sends a message both to the industry and society at large that moving to a carbon-free economy cannot be delayed and the teachings of our faith traditions require us to take action. In this session, expert speakers present on the divestment programs and strategies in their faith communities and the values on which they are based.