In light of the recent environmental tragedy in the Philippines, we request that Syracuse University take action by divesting from the fossil fuel industry. It is unethical to be involved with an industry that is destroying our planet.

Currently, SU has tens of millions of dollars invested in fossil fuel companies that pollute our future, our environment and our political process.

Institutions like SU that have taken the lead on sustainability initiatives must also consider greening their stock portfolios, divesting from gas, oil and coal.

While climate change will not be solved with one university’s actions, we hope that SU will become a leader in this movement by setting a precedent. Of the 300 colleges and universities with active divestment campaigns, SU would be the largest private institution in the country to divest.

Much like the movement to end apartheid in South Africa, we can create a domino effect with other institutions that leads to unprecedented global progress.

It is up to us. We can either continue investing in global warming, or we can end our complicity and take a leading role in the largest movement to fight climate change in history.

Join us Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Watson Theater. A screening of “Do The Math” will begin at 7 p.m. and panelists will speak on climate change at 8 p.m.

Divest SU

Students of Sustainability

Syracuse University

Published on November 20, 2013 at 12:53 am