ALUMNI SUPPORT
I feel strongly that our school's endowment should not be used to jeopardize the environment but rather to help move towards sustainability.
-Razzi Abuissa, ‘15
As the leading institution of not just higher education, but embodying the ideals of pragmatism and applied problem-solving of dear ole Benjamin Franklin, it is incumbent on the University to be a leader in this critical climate fight. It is impractical for society to continue to invest in the very companies that are accelerating the destruction of the climate. As an institution committed to innovation--the home of ENIAC!--Penn is also positioned to develop the technological solutions that will free us from the fossil fuel economy. Please divest!!
-Noah Aptekar, ‘09
Yes! Yes! Yes! I graduated in 2012, and saw the creation of PennGreen, Eco-reps, Green Campus Partnerships, the Sustainability and Environmental Management minor, the Penn Garden, and Bon Appetite brought onto campus during my tenure. It was an exciting time, but the one thing that made it all feel like a farce was that Penn wasn't putting its money where its mouth was. Even from the outside it was apparent: the 2011 Green Report Card from the Sustainable Endowments Institute gave Penn A's in every category, except for "Endowment Transparency", for which it earned an emphatic D. (citation: http://www.greenreportcard.org/report-card-2011/schools/university-of-pennsylvania.html). It is a truly a heroic effort from the students, and a statement about Penn's authentic commitment to sustainability if this movement succeeds. As an alum, this means a lot. I might even give to the Penn Fund this year.
-Zachary Bell, ‘12
Bad science and bad policy is not a basis for progress or good investments. Climate change requires institutional change. If we don't want the University under water 100 years from now our concept of ROI must change now.
-Robert Brand, ‘72
This is one of the most important issues of our time, and I feel it's absolutely imperative that the university take a stand and be on the right side of history. As such a powerful institution within the Philadelphia community and beyond, Penn should absolutely divest from fossil fuels if the university wants to support their claims about protecting and supporting future generations and our planet. Sending all the support to everyone involved and working hard on this!
-Dani Castillo, ‘15
Available scientific evidence indicates strongly that most fossil fuels must be left in the ground if there is to be any hope of meeting the 2°C goal regarded as the limit beyond which irreversible climate change can become catastrophic. At the same time, the major energy corporations are quite openly declaring their intentions of exploiting all the reserves available, and unearthing new ones. These decisions are driving the world to disaster. There is everyone reason to take whatever actions we can to divert them from this disastrous course. University disinvestment would be a welcome and significant step in this direction.
-Noam Chomsky, ‘55
If Penn wants to be able to say it cares about innovation and civic engagement, then it has to divest.
-Laura Cofksy, ‘13
Penn has always been a thought leader. We only have one planet, one environment. I want my alma mater to be leading the way in ethical action and sustainable investment!
-Daniel Cohen, ‘10
What is the purpose of our education if not to create a better world for all? Continuing our reliance on fossil fuels fails to do that.
-Jack Cohen, ‘09
As a scientist and a parent, I believe that doing whatever we can to prevent more extreme climate change, and to mitigate the damage that has already been irrevocably been set in motion, is the only responsible path. The window of opportunity to prevent unthinkable damage is short, but the consequences, for ill or good, will last for generations.
-Robin Eisman, ‘91
When you have the means to do so, you owe it to everyone especially those that do not have the means, to act in a socially and environmentally just way. Penn has the means.
-Elana Feingold-Link, ‘10
Penn should set an example as a leader in our community.
-Jason Fernandes, ‘15
Because I care about the future of our planet and believe that Penn does as well.
-Rabbi Ariel Fisher, ‘11
Penn is the place that made me an activist. As an alum, it is deeply important to me to remain accountable to a community I love, and to push for social justice hand in hand with fellow alumni, students, professors, staff, and parents. Penn can always do better, and I have faith that it will.
-Leanne Gale, ‘15
Climate change can no longer be ignored or relegated to the after thoughts of corporate and non-profit management. We need Non-profits like the University of Pennsylvania to step up their commitment to doing what's best for our world and not fall behind other universities who are listening to their constituents wishes and taking leadership on this issue. Hurry up and divest Penn!
-Levi Gikandi, ‘15
Divesting from fossil fuels is our responsibility to future generations. Please heed our cry.
-Elisheva Goldberg, ‘11
As a graduate of your master's program in environmental studies and a mother and grandmother, I am painfully aware of and deeply concerned about the consequences of our rampant burning of fossil fuels for our own and future generations. I urge the University to divest from fossil fuels.
We should not be investing in products and practices that make the world less livable for the University's students and all life on our planet.
-Robin Hoy, '96
The extraction and combustion of fossil fuels is driving economic, social, and ecological crises on an unprecedented scale. It is unconscionable for any institution purporting to provide global leadership to continue investing in fossil fuel. Please lead us in economic, social, and ecological renewal by completely disinvesting in fossil fuel financing and supporting truly renewable forms of energy.
-Mary Hufford, ‘89
Because it's time for Penn to act on what it preaches. It claims to be sustainable? Here's its chance to prove it.
-Laura Krasovitzky, ‘15
There are more responsible, sound investments that a university as great as Penn can make. By divesting in fossil fuels and supporting clean energy assets, the University will continue to be a leader in sustainability among campuses nationwide and globally.
-Shannon Macika, ‘14
I have two reasons for supporting this proposal: 1) It is immoral for an educational institution like Penn to profit from fossil fuels, the burning of which is making our planet inhospitable. 2) Scientists tell us that we have to keep 80% of them in the ground if we are to prevent a catastrophe. Also, Penn could lose a lot of money as fossil fuel assets become stranded.
-Anne Maiese, ‘90
It is critical that we do everything we can to combat climate change!
-Emily Orrson, ‘13
I support fossil fuel divestment because it is a contradictory mission for a university to both prepare young men and women for their futures and, at the same time, profit from the industries that are unequivocally killing our planet. Given that the fossil fuel industry plans to exploit the oil that scientists argue must stay in the ground to limit global warming to levels that already threaten to spur catastrophic economic, environmental and social tragedy, it is unconscionable to maintain such investments. While divestment alone will not shut down the fossil fuel industries, the symbolic gesture of divestment will serve to stigmatize this industry and make others re- consider their investments. Some might argue that divestment is not an effective strategy, but one need only look at the example of apartheid to see that divestment can actually have huge political implications. And, luckily, fossil free portfolios are performing well and Penn might actually stand to gain financially from such a move. As a university professor and parent, I care deeply about the issue of climate change and believe strongly that divestment is one of many efforts that need to be taken to help solve this problem of global proportions. I HIGHLY support the work of Fossil Free Penn. Go Quakers!!
-Anne O’Neil-Henry, ‘02
If we make a concerted effort to invest in sustainable energy sources, those sources become more viable. The more we prop up the carbon economy, the greater chance for major suffering, and the harder it will be to develop more sustainable alternatives. As a beacon of intellectual prowess, Penn should be leading this effort, not dragging its feet.
-Nati Passow ‘02 Because it's 2015.
-Ariel Pasternak, ‘12
Now is the time to realign all our actions with our values, especially as divesting in fossil fuels can open up opportunities to invest in ways that will provide a financial and a social return - whether it be through renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or access to healthcare. Socially responsible investments have to become the new norm, and Penn should be a proud participant - if not leader - in that movement.
-Shahnaz Radjy, ‘04
Penn should be a leader. Leaders look to the future.
-Alex Rattray, ‘14
Fossil fuels need to stay in the ground or we will face catastrophic changes across the planet.
-Harry Reisig, ‘04
I actively supported a successful move to have the University of Washington divest from all of its coal holdings and I feel it is vitally important for Institutions of Higher Learning such as the Univ. of Penn to take a strong stand against carbon investments as a key part of awakening all of us to the need for a sustainable, non carbon energy future.
-William Roach, ‘68
Universities are major investors, procurers of energy and goods, and thought leaders in our nation. If Penn stands up and steps back from fossil fuels, it will lead other first-class universities to do the same! Proud to sign this petition.
-Hannah Sassaman, ‘01
Not nearly enough is being done to address climate change. Divestment is an important factor.
-John Schieber, ‘50
It's the 11th hour. We must boldly act to rapidly phase out fossil fuel use and scale up renewables!
-L Matthew Schwartz, ‘83
I am a student of divinity and religion. If there is anything the wisdom traditions of the world have taught us and have been trying to teach us, it is that our humanity is interconnected. Not only with that of our fellow human beings, but also with the planet on which we rely for life. "Walk softly on the earth, for when you are walking, you walk on your mother's face,” a professor of mine has said. By not divesting from fossil fuels, we choose instead to stomp on our mother's face. Not only that, but we stomp on the faces of those other human beings and creatures who inhabit this planet with us. We fail to extend ourselves on behalf of others, blind to the ways in which we are complicit in the suffering of those whom our investment in fossil fuels most directly affects. It is a fact that people of color, indigenous communities around the world, and residents of the “third world” are some of the primary victims of our dependence on fossil fuels. These individuals, affected by generations of systemic oppression and structural violence, are most likely to live in unhealthy environments and have their lands taken away to make way for waste plants and other elements of the fossil fuel industry. Fossil fuel companies and
multinational corporations target these communities to locate their facilities, understanding that these groups have historically had little power to resist such exploitation. All the while, climate change is leading to deforestation, mudslides, and drought that are destroying the ways of life of communities who rely on their immediate environments to maintain their livelihoods and their cultural traditions. As part of the "First World," we must now bear witness to the ecological and humanitarian crises we ourselves are creating. We must take responsibility. From Rabbi Hillel: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?”
-Shrestha Singh, ‘12
Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.
-Diane Sjolander, ‘69
I will be prouder to say I'm an alumni from Penn when we have a fossil free plan!
-Sarah Sterling, ‘11
This is simple logic - in this day and age, with countless other environmental commitments and initiatives ongoing at Penn, our University can only claim to truly be an environmental leader if we divest. Very, very important to me as an alumni! Thank you to all those working on this.
-Ashima Sukhdev, ‘12
Reducing institutional investor demand for shares of companies which are not diversifying away from fossil fuel at an acceptable pace creates a shareholder value-driven incentive to increase alternatives.
-John Terwilliger, ‘83
This is the right time to show leadership among the top schools in divesting resources that hurt our collective futures.
-Andrew Zitcer, ‘04
Millions of people's land, communities and cultures are being sacrificed so the fossil fuel industry can maintain their wealth. It is imperative that we do what we can to disrupt this destructive act. For Penn that means fossil fuel divestment.
-Peter Thatcher, ‘14
Fossil fuel corporations and dirty industry have proven that they are acting against every
principle that a university represents--investment in future generations, education of young
minds in sound logic and science, discovery of new knowledge, and a commitment to protect
free thought and discourse.
It is fundamentally counter to the mission of any university, particularly one as prominent and
reputable as my beloved UPenn, to financially support pseudo-science, climate denial, carbon
emissions, and destructive political lobbying that will rob future generations of Penn students of
the priceless qualities of the same biosphere that we currently enjoy.
Climate change threatens to change the very makeup of future Penn classes. In decades to come,
UPenn may forever lose the chance to host students from Kiribati or Micronesia. Larger nations
too may become racked with turmoil in the wake of resource scarcity and natural disasters, their
presence diminishing on our campus as a result.
I ask that my alma mater make the moral choice and divest UPenn's financial holdings from entities that would use our funds for the most irresponsible purposes in human history. Please divest.
-Seaver Wang, ‘14
Divestment is the only way of undoing investment.
Divestment is necessary because investment in fossil fuels is now a conscious and considered choice to underpin the morally repugnant and ecologically catastrophic destabilization of Earth's great planetary systems.
Like so much of our morality, this is all about money. If significant amounts of money weren't at stake, this would be an easy decision and we would be enjoying our cheap virtue. The Sept. 2016 decision by the Trustees basically signaled that the price of virtue was too high for the degree of evil involved.
The Trustees' dismissal of fossil fuel divestment as simply "making [a] public policy statement" is a staggering failure to grasp the existential threat being posed by global warming and the urgency of acting immediately.
Do those who were involved in these deliberations not understand the implications of steeply accelerating curves of rising CO2 and temperatures? Do they not understand that until we cut fossil fuel emissions by at least 50%, CO2 levels in the atmosphere will continue to climb?
For the Trustees to take the position that global warming is not an evil on a par with apartheid or genocide--which in itself is a dubiously high bar--is not just inaccurate. It is arguably insane. Short of an all-out nuclear war, global warming is the greatest crisis humankind has ever faced. Genocide and the Holocaust pale beside it.
It threatens ever-more-frequent and ever-more-severe floods, droughts, and wildfires. It threatens not just the physical basis of much of life on Earth, the loss of innumerable species, the flooding of our coastlines, and the depletion of our global food supply, but the integrity of our social fabrics and the viability of the world's governments. We are facing a future of unprecedented hunger, thirst, and disruption, with a coming refugee crisis that will dwarf anything we are currently seeing.
What part of this do the Trustees not understand--or not care about?
-Charles A. Russell, ‘72
Promoting a bright, healthy and prosperous future takes place in many forms. Penn gave me a first-class education and a worldview that led me to where I am today. Now I call on Penn to double down by investing in renewables. Going green means lifting all homes and all communities. It means putting the planet before the profit. And it means embracing the science. In that regard, Penn's duty to the cause of climate action is especially prominent, given the school's founding history. After all, as a scientist and an early pioneer of energy, Ben Franklin would surely have urged the governing forces of his school to take heed of the science and act accordingly.
I therefore call on Penn to do all it can to support an unfossilized future.
-Charles Isaacs, ‘10
As an elite academic institution in the US, committed to the education of science and technology (as well as human society and history), Penn should be a leading voice in the viability and necessity for a move toward a sustainable, healthy economy based on renewable, non-polluting, non-destructive, energy sources, and focusing on all the ways we can grow our economy by developing and using new technologies, developing new industries and jobs, and building new paradigms and structures that leave the world, our air, our water and our land healthier than we found it. It can be done and Penn needs to be a leading voice. There is no data that shows that a fossil fuel-free portfolio for the University's endowment will negatively affect its performance. But divestment can make a powerful statement that Penn, its students no longer want to profit off the backs of forces that are keeping our economy in the dark alumni, and its ages, harming our environment, and costing us billions of dollars in damaged health, lost wages, war, pollution clean-up, infrastructure deterioration, and more.
-Dara Bortman, ‘91
-Razzi Abuissa, ‘15
As the leading institution of not just higher education, but embodying the ideals of pragmatism and applied problem-solving of dear ole Benjamin Franklin, it is incumbent on the University to be a leader in this critical climate fight. It is impractical for society to continue to invest in the very companies that are accelerating the destruction of the climate. As an institution committed to innovation--the home of ENIAC!--Penn is also positioned to develop the technological solutions that will free us from the fossil fuel economy. Please divest!!
-Noah Aptekar, ‘09
Yes! Yes! Yes! I graduated in 2012, and saw the creation of PennGreen, Eco-reps, Green Campus Partnerships, the Sustainability and Environmental Management minor, the Penn Garden, and Bon Appetite brought onto campus during my tenure. It was an exciting time, but the one thing that made it all feel like a farce was that Penn wasn't putting its money where its mouth was. Even from the outside it was apparent: the 2011 Green Report Card from the Sustainable Endowments Institute gave Penn A's in every category, except for "Endowment Transparency", for which it earned an emphatic D. (citation: http://www.greenreportcard.org/report-card-2011/schools/university-of-pennsylvania.html). It is a truly a heroic effort from the students, and a statement about Penn's authentic commitment to sustainability if this movement succeeds. As an alum, this means a lot. I might even give to the Penn Fund this year.
-Zachary Bell, ‘12
Bad science and bad policy is not a basis for progress or good investments. Climate change requires institutional change. If we don't want the University under water 100 years from now our concept of ROI must change now.
-Robert Brand, ‘72
This is one of the most important issues of our time, and I feel it's absolutely imperative that the university take a stand and be on the right side of history. As such a powerful institution within the Philadelphia community and beyond, Penn should absolutely divest from fossil fuels if the university wants to support their claims about protecting and supporting future generations and our planet. Sending all the support to everyone involved and working hard on this!
-Dani Castillo, ‘15
Available scientific evidence indicates strongly that most fossil fuels must be left in the ground if there is to be any hope of meeting the 2°C goal regarded as the limit beyond which irreversible climate change can become catastrophic. At the same time, the major energy corporations are quite openly declaring their intentions of exploiting all the reserves available, and unearthing new ones. These decisions are driving the world to disaster. There is everyone reason to take whatever actions we can to divert them from this disastrous course. University disinvestment would be a welcome and significant step in this direction.
-Noam Chomsky, ‘55
If Penn wants to be able to say it cares about innovation and civic engagement, then it has to divest.
-Laura Cofksy, ‘13
Penn has always been a thought leader. We only have one planet, one environment. I want my alma mater to be leading the way in ethical action and sustainable investment!
-Daniel Cohen, ‘10
What is the purpose of our education if not to create a better world for all? Continuing our reliance on fossil fuels fails to do that.
-Jack Cohen, ‘09
As a scientist and a parent, I believe that doing whatever we can to prevent more extreme climate change, and to mitigate the damage that has already been irrevocably been set in motion, is the only responsible path. The window of opportunity to prevent unthinkable damage is short, but the consequences, for ill or good, will last for generations.
-Robin Eisman, ‘91
When you have the means to do so, you owe it to everyone especially those that do not have the means, to act in a socially and environmentally just way. Penn has the means.
-Elana Feingold-Link, ‘10
Penn should set an example as a leader in our community.
-Jason Fernandes, ‘15
Because I care about the future of our planet and believe that Penn does as well.
-Rabbi Ariel Fisher, ‘11
Penn is the place that made me an activist. As an alum, it is deeply important to me to remain accountable to a community I love, and to push for social justice hand in hand with fellow alumni, students, professors, staff, and parents. Penn can always do better, and I have faith that it will.
-Leanne Gale, ‘15
Climate change can no longer be ignored or relegated to the after thoughts of corporate and non-profit management. We need Non-profits like the University of Pennsylvania to step up their commitment to doing what's best for our world and not fall behind other universities who are listening to their constituents wishes and taking leadership on this issue. Hurry up and divest Penn!
-Levi Gikandi, ‘15
Divesting from fossil fuels is our responsibility to future generations. Please heed our cry.
-Elisheva Goldberg, ‘11
As a graduate of your master's program in environmental studies and a mother and grandmother, I am painfully aware of and deeply concerned about the consequences of our rampant burning of fossil fuels for our own and future generations. I urge the University to divest from fossil fuels.
We should not be investing in products and practices that make the world less livable for the University's students and all life on our planet.
-Robin Hoy, '96
The extraction and combustion of fossil fuels is driving economic, social, and ecological crises on an unprecedented scale. It is unconscionable for any institution purporting to provide global leadership to continue investing in fossil fuel. Please lead us in economic, social, and ecological renewal by completely disinvesting in fossil fuel financing and supporting truly renewable forms of energy.
-Mary Hufford, ‘89
Because it's time for Penn to act on what it preaches. It claims to be sustainable? Here's its chance to prove it.
-Laura Krasovitzky, ‘15
There are more responsible, sound investments that a university as great as Penn can make. By divesting in fossil fuels and supporting clean energy assets, the University will continue to be a leader in sustainability among campuses nationwide and globally.
-Shannon Macika, ‘14
I have two reasons for supporting this proposal: 1) It is immoral for an educational institution like Penn to profit from fossil fuels, the burning of which is making our planet inhospitable. 2) Scientists tell us that we have to keep 80% of them in the ground if we are to prevent a catastrophe. Also, Penn could lose a lot of money as fossil fuel assets become stranded.
-Anne Maiese, ‘90
It is critical that we do everything we can to combat climate change!
-Emily Orrson, ‘13
I support fossil fuel divestment because it is a contradictory mission for a university to both prepare young men and women for their futures and, at the same time, profit from the industries that are unequivocally killing our planet. Given that the fossil fuel industry plans to exploit the oil that scientists argue must stay in the ground to limit global warming to levels that already threaten to spur catastrophic economic, environmental and social tragedy, it is unconscionable to maintain such investments. While divestment alone will not shut down the fossil fuel industries, the symbolic gesture of divestment will serve to stigmatize this industry and make others re- consider their investments. Some might argue that divestment is not an effective strategy, but one need only look at the example of apartheid to see that divestment can actually have huge political implications. And, luckily, fossil free portfolios are performing well and Penn might actually stand to gain financially from such a move. As a university professor and parent, I care deeply about the issue of climate change and believe strongly that divestment is one of many efforts that need to be taken to help solve this problem of global proportions. I HIGHLY support the work of Fossil Free Penn. Go Quakers!!
-Anne O’Neil-Henry, ‘02
If we make a concerted effort to invest in sustainable energy sources, those sources become more viable. The more we prop up the carbon economy, the greater chance for major suffering, and the harder it will be to develop more sustainable alternatives. As a beacon of intellectual prowess, Penn should be leading this effort, not dragging its feet.
-Nati Passow ‘02 Because it's 2015.
-Ariel Pasternak, ‘12
Now is the time to realign all our actions with our values, especially as divesting in fossil fuels can open up opportunities to invest in ways that will provide a financial and a social return - whether it be through renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or access to healthcare. Socially responsible investments have to become the new norm, and Penn should be a proud participant - if not leader - in that movement.
-Shahnaz Radjy, ‘04
Penn should be a leader. Leaders look to the future.
-Alex Rattray, ‘14
Fossil fuels need to stay in the ground or we will face catastrophic changes across the planet.
-Harry Reisig, ‘04
I actively supported a successful move to have the University of Washington divest from all of its coal holdings and I feel it is vitally important for Institutions of Higher Learning such as the Univ. of Penn to take a strong stand against carbon investments as a key part of awakening all of us to the need for a sustainable, non carbon energy future.
-William Roach, ‘68
Universities are major investors, procurers of energy and goods, and thought leaders in our nation. If Penn stands up and steps back from fossil fuels, it will lead other first-class universities to do the same! Proud to sign this petition.
-Hannah Sassaman, ‘01
Not nearly enough is being done to address climate change. Divestment is an important factor.
-John Schieber, ‘50
It's the 11th hour. We must boldly act to rapidly phase out fossil fuel use and scale up renewables!
-L Matthew Schwartz, ‘83
I am a student of divinity and religion. If there is anything the wisdom traditions of the world have taught us and have been trying to teach us, it is that our humanity is interconnected. Not only with that of our fellow human beings, but also with the planet on which we rely for life. "Walk softly on the earth, for when you are walking, you walk on your mother's face,” a professor of mine has said. By not divesting from fossil fuels, we choose instead to stomp on our mother's face. Not only that, but we stomp on the faces of those other human beings and creatures who inhabit this planet with us. We fail to extend ourselves on behalf of others, blind to the ways in which we are complicit in the suffering of those whom our investment in fossil fuels most directly affects. It is a fact that people of color, indigenous communities around the world, and residents of the “third world” are some of the primary victims of our dependence on fossil fuels. These individuals, affected by generations of systemic oppression and structural violence, are most likely to live in unhealthy environments and have their lands taken away to make way for waste plants and other elements of the fossil fuel industry. Fossil fuel companies and
multinational corporations target these communities to locate their facilities, understanding that these groups have historically had little power to resist such exploitation. All the while, climate change is leading to deforestation, mudslides, and drought that are destroying the ways of life of communities who rely on their immediate environments to maintain their livelihoods and their cultural traditions. As part of the "First World," we must now bear witness to the ecological and humanitarian crises we ourselves are creating. We must take responsibility. From Rabbi Hillel: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?”
-Shrestha Singh, ‘12
Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.
-Diane Sjolander, ‘69
I will be prouder to say I'm an alumni from Penn when we have a fossil free plan!
-Sarah Sterling, ‘11
This is simple logic - in this day and age, with countless other environmental commitments and initiatives ongoing at Penn, our University can only claim to truly be an environmental leader if we divest. Very, very important to me as an alumni! Thank you to all those working on this.
-Ashima Sukhdev, ‘12
Reducing institutional investor demand for shares of companies which are not diversifying away from fossil fuel at an acceptable pace creates a shareholder value-driven incentive to increase alternatives.
-John Terwilliger, ‘83
This is the right time to show leadership among the top schools in divesting resources that hurt our collective futures.
-Andrew Zitcer, ‘04
Millions of people's land, communities and cultures are being sacrificed so the fossil fuel industry can maintain their wealth. It is imperative that we do what we can to disrupt this destructive act. For Penn that means fossil fuel divestment.
-Peter Thatcher, ‘14
Fossil fuel corporations and dirty industry have proven that they are acting against every
principle that a university represents--investment in future generations, education of young
minds in sound logic and science, discovery of new knowledge, and a commitment to protect
free thought and discourse.
It is fundamentally counter to the mission of any university, particularly one as prominent and
reputable as my beloved UPenn, to financially support pseudo-science, climate denial, carbon
emissions, and destructive political lobbying that will rob future generations of Penn students of
the priceless qualities of the same biosphere that we currently enjoy.
Climate change threatens to change the very makeup of future Penn classes. In decades to come,
UPenn may forever lose the chance to host students from Kiribati or Micronesia. Larger nations
too may become racked with turmoil in the wake of resource scarcity and natural disasters, their
presence diminishing on our campus as a result.
I ask that my alma mater make the moral choice and divest UPenn's financial holdings from entities that would use our funds for the most irresponsible purposes in human history. Please divest.
-Seaver Wang, ‘14
Divestment is the only way of undoing investment.
Divestment is necessary because investment in fossil fuels is now a conscious and considered choice to underpin the morally repugnant and ecologically catastrophic destabilization of Earth's great planetary systems.
Like so much of our morality, this is all about money. If significant amounts of money weren't at stake, this would be an easy decision and we would be enjoying our cheap virtue. The Sept. 2016 decision by the Trustees basically signaled that the price of virtue was too high for the degree of evil involved.
The Trustees' dismissal of fossil fuel divestment as simply "making [a] public policy statement" is a staggering failure to grasp the existential threat being posed by global warming and the urgency of acting immediately.
Do those who were involved in these deliberations not understand the implications of steeply accelerating curves of rising CO2 and temperatures? Do they not understand that until we cut fossil fuel emissions by at least 50%, CO2 levels in the atmosphere will continue to climb?
For the Trustees to take the position that global warming is not an evil on a par with apartheid or genocide--which in itself is a dubiously high bar--is not just inaccurate. It is arguably insane. Short of an all-out nuclear war, global warming is the greatest crisis humankind has ever faced. Genocide and the Holocaust pale beside it.
It threatens ever-more-frequent and ever-more-severe floods, droughts, and wildfires. It threatens not just the physical basis of much of life on Earth, the loss of innumerable species, the flooding of our coastlines, and the depletion of our global food supply, but the integrity of our social fabrics and the viability of the world's governments. We are facing a future of unprecedented hunger, thirst, and disruption, with a coming refugee crisis that will dwarf anything we are currently seeing.
What part of this do the Trustees not understand--or not care about?
-Charles A. Russell, ‘72
Promoting a bright, healthy and prosperous future takes place in many forms. Penn gave me a first-class education and a worldview that led me to where I am today. Now I call on Penn to double down by investing in renewables. Going green means lifting all homes and all communities. It means putting the planet before the profit. And it means embracing the science. In that regard, Penn's duty to the cause of climate action is especially prominent, given the school's founding history. After all, as a scientist and an early pioneer of energy, Ben Franklin would surely have urged the governing forces of his school to take heed of the science and act accordingly.
I therefore call on Penn to do all it can to support an unfossilized future.
-Charles Isaacs, ‘10
As an elite academic institution in the US, committed to the education of science and technology (as well as human society and history), Penn should be a leading voice in the viability and necessity for a move toward a sustainable, healthy economy based on renewable, non-polluting, non-destructive, energy sources, and focusing on all the ways we can grow our economy by developing and using new technologies, developing new industries and jobs, and building new paradigms and structures that leave the world, our air, our water and our land healthier than we found it. It can be done and Penn needs to be a leading voice. There is no data that shows that a fossil fuel-free portfolio for the University's endowment will negatively affect its performance. But divestment can make a powerful statement that Penn, its students no longer want to profit off the backs of forces that are keeping our economy in the dark alumni, and its ages, harming our environment, and costing us billions of dollars in damaged health, lost wages, war, pollution clean-up, infrastructure deterioration, and more.
-Dara Bortman, ‘91
