#13

Divest your pension from fossil fuels

In saving for the future, we need to first save the future.

A lot of pension funds are still helping destroy the planet by being heavily invested in fossil fuels.

DoneChallenge others

Brewing instructions:

  • Step 1

    Divest your pension

    The Guardian has put together this comprehensive 10 minute divestment plan, complete with a template letter to send to the point of contact for your pension scheme, and advice on what to do next.

  • Step 2

    Speak to your employer

    They have the power to determine where the business invests its money and may not realise they're invested in fossil fuels.

  • Step 3

    Tell others to do the same

    A lot of people simply don't realise their pension is harming the planet — by sharing this page or the article in step 1 with everyone you know, you can help ensure there's world left for all of us to enjoy our old age in.

Why is this important?

There's still a staggering amount of public subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. A report estimated that in 2015 this figure was $5.3 trillion (or around 6.5% of global GDP). With so much money involved, it's no wonder there's still a fossil fuel industry.

The more people continue to invest in the fossil fuel industry, the more they'll carry on as normal. That's why divestment is an incredibly powerful action to take against climate change. It's a clear, unequivocal vote for a cleaner future built on renewable energy, and away from fossil fuels.

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