The 350.org fossil fuel divestment movement included a 25-city “Do the Math” tour. The calculations clearly show the amount of gas, oil and coal in proven reserves far exceeds the amount necessary to take the planet past a tipping point with catastrophic consequences. The International Energy Agency recently echoed agreement.
Big, oil, gas and coal have enjoyed subsidies while using their influence to block alternative energy development. They have proven to be criminals against the laws of physics with blatant policies placing profits over planet. The goal of divestment is not to bring them to their knees, but rather to have the same effect divestment had on Apartheid in South Africa. In a recent “Sierra” magazine interview, 350.org founder Bill McKibben characterized divestment as, “a clear statement from the elites of society that they understand that the fossil fuel industry is now a rogue industry and they don’t want to be associated with it.”
The elites of society certainly include U.S. President Barack Obama. In his June speech at Georgetown University he said, “Convince those in power to reduce our carbon pollution. Push your own communities to adopt smarter practices. Invest. Divest. Remind folks there’s no contradiction between a sound environment and strong economic growth.” There you have it. Elite world leader addresses future elites.
When taken into consideration all the things necessary to mitigate the effects of a changing climate, divesting from corporate criminals and reinvesting clean and green seems rather a simple task.
See also: InClimate 5, 11, 63, 70; 232, 254; Renewables Jan. 5 (Gigatons) Jan. 11(Divest Part II) Mar 5 (Divest Than Reinvest) Mar. 12 (Extract/Use Fossil Fuels' Last Gasps Responsibly) Aug. 21 (Fossil Fuel Reserves Simply Too Much) Sept. 12